The Government of Pakistan has announced the allocation of 2,000MW of electricity for Bitcoin mining and Artificial Intelligence data centers in the first phase of a digital transformation initiative spearheaded by the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC).
The initiative is part of a broader strategy to monetize surplus electricity, create high-tech jobs, attract billions of dollars in foreign direct investment, and generate billions of dollars in revenue. In a statement, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the allocation marks a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s digital transformation journey, unlocking economic potential by turning excess energy into innovation, investment, and international revenue.
The PCC said Pakistan is uniquely positioned, both geographically and economically, to become a global hub for data centers. Serving as a digital bridge between Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, it offers a strategic location for data flow and digital infrastructure. It said there has been tremendous interest from global Bitcoin miners and data infrastructure companies in Pakistan’s plans. Several international firms have visited the country for exploratory discussions already and more are expected in the coming weeks, it added.
The initiative would repurpose Pakistan’s underutilized power generation capacity into a high-value digital asset, as A.I. data centers and Bitcoin mining operations require consistent and heavy energy usage. Redirecting idle energy, especially from plants operating below capacity, allows Pakistan to convert a long-standing financial liability into a sustainable, revenue-generating opportunity.
PCC CEO Bilal bin Saqib emphasized the transformative nature of the initiative, explaining that with proper regulation, transparency, and international collaboration, Pakistan can become a global crypto and A.I. powerhouse. He said the energy-backed digital transformation not only unlocks high-value investment, but also enables the government to generate foreign exchange through Bitcoin mining. Additionally, as regulations evolve, Pakistan can accumulate Bitcoin directly into a national wallet, leveraging digital assets for economic stability.
By offering stable and affordable energy, Pakistan presents a highly competitive environment compared to regional counterparts like India and Singapore, where rising power costs and land scarcity limit scalability. A.I. data center demand has soared to over 100GW though global supply remains around 15GW, with the massive shortfall creating an unprecedented opportunity for countries like Pakistan with surplus power, land, and an emerging regulatory framework.
The country’s digital connectivity is further supported by the landing of the world’s largest submarine internet cable, the Africa-2 Cable Project, connecting 33 countries through 46 landing stations. This milestone enhances Pakistan’s internet bandwidth, latency, and resilience through redundant fiber routes—key for ensuring high availability and operational continuity for A.I. data centers.
The PCC stressed that with a population of over 250 million and more than 40 million crypto users, Pakistan holds immense potential as a regional leader in digital services. Establishing local A.I. data centers will not only address growing concerns around data sovereignty but will also enhance cybersecurity, improve digital service delivery, and empower national capabilities in A.I. and cloud infrastructure. These centers are expected to create thousands of direct and indirect jobs, catalyzing the development of a skilled workforce in engineering, I.T., and data sciences.
Broader Plans
The statement stressed the allocation is only the first phase of a broader, multi-stage digital infrastructure rollout. Future developments are expected to include renewable energy-powered facilities, strategic international partnerships with leading blockchain and A.I. companies, and the establishment of fintech and innovation hubs. These efforts will be complemented by proposed incentives such as tax holidays, customs duty exemptions on equipment, and reduced taxes for A.I. infrastructure developers.
It said Pakistan’s combination of surplus power, geographic advantage, advanced subsea cable connectivity, renewable energy potential, and a large, digitally engaged population creates a compelling case for becoming a regional epicenter of Web3, A.I., and digital innovation. With the right incentives, strategic investments, and collaborative partnerships, Pakistan is positioning itself not only as a destination for global digital infrastructure but also as a sovereign economy that can accumulate digital assets, export digital services, and lead in the next generation of technological transformation.