Pakistan Taps Surplus Power to Enter Bitcoin Mining Race—Here’s What’s at Stake

Pakistan is reportedly looking into utilizing its surplus electricity to support domestic Bitcoin mining operations and AI data centers, according to a recent Reuters report.

The plan aims to convert unutilized energy resources into productive use amid the country’s ongoing challenges with high electricity tariffs and shifting energy supply patterns.

The Details Of The Surplus Power For Bitcoin Mining

The proposal is being spearheaded by Bilal Bin Saqib, an advisor to Pakistan’s finance minister and the newly appointed CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council.

Saqib confirmed that preliminary discussions with various mining firms have already taken place, with site selection for the mining centers currently underway.

The final locations will be based on regions where excess power availability is greatest. This initiative comes shortly after the formal launch of the Pakistan Crypto Council, an organization created to advocate for blockchain adoption, crypto regulation, and investment opportunities in the digital asset sector.

Pakistan Turns to Bitcoin Miners, AI Data Centers to Use Surplus Power

Pakistan plans to allocate part of its surplus electricity to Bitcoin mining & AI data centers. Adviser to the finance minister said talks with several mining firms ongoing. pic.twitter.com/swZL15LSoz

— matthew sigel, recovering CFA (@matthew_sigel) April 9, 2025

Crypto-Focused Policy Shift and Strategic Alliances

Pakistan’s renewed interest in digital assets and blockchain is partially driven by shifting global sentiment. Saqib previously indicated in an interview with Bloomberg that the election of US President Donald Trump—a vocal proponent of crypto—has further motivated Pakistan to develop its blockchain and crypto infrastructure.

Saqib stated:

“Pakistan is done sitting on the sidelines. We want Pakistan as the leader of blockchain-powered finance.”

The council’s broader vision includes the establishment of regulatory sandboxes to support innovation and attract global crypto investment. Pakistan currently ranks among the top 10 countries in global crypto adoption, despite lacking a fully established regulatory framework.

In a recent development, Binance founder and former CEO Changpeng Zhao has joined the Pakistan Crypto Council as a strategic advisor. Zhao, who is known for his work in crypto policy discussions, announced that he is actively advising several governments on crypto regulation and blockchain-based governance solutions.

I officially and unofficially advise a few governments on their crypto regulatory frameworks and blockchain solutions for gov efficiency, expanding blockchain to more than trading. I find this work extremely meaningful.

— CZ BNB (@cz_binance) April 3, 2025

The combination of international collaboration, political momentum, and infrastructure plans suggest that Pakistan is positioning itself to play a more active role in the global digital economy, starting with Bitcoin mining powered by its surplus electricity.

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