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Pakistan’s Bitcoin mining initiative is making headlines after the country allocated 2,000 megawatts of surplus electricity exclusively for mining and AI centers.
This bold step, led by the Pakistan Crypto Council and backed by the Ministry of Finance, could transform the digital economy. In the first phase, surplus electricity will fuel Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence development. The Finance Minister, Muhammad Aurangzeb, said this would attract foreign capital and create thousands of tech jobs.
This announcement has already sparked interest. Delegations from global Bitcoin mining firms and AI developers have started visiting Pakistan. They’re exploring partnerships, enticed by tax incentives and duty exemptions. The aim is simple—boost the economy while harnessing the country’s untapped energy reserves.
Billions in investment and tech jobs are incoming
To make this initiative investor-friendly, the government introduced incentives. These include tax relief for AI centers and zero duties on mining hardware. The hope is to build a robust, transparent digital infrastructure.
Pakistan’s strategy also includes a second phase focused on sustainability. Mining operations will gain access to renewable energy sources. This ensures the industry doesn’t grow at the environment’s expense. It also aligns with global trends toward green crypto mining.
Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of Pakistan’s Crypto Council, praised the move as a “turning point” for the nation. He said combining regulation with smart energy use could make Pakistan a digital powerhouse.
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Pakistan Bitcoin mining initiative enters regulation mode
To give structure to this rapid growth, the Ministry of Finance established the Pakistan Digital Assets Authority (PDAA). This new regulatory body will oversee licensing, exchanges, custodians, wallets, and tokenized platforms.
The PDAA also plans to tokenize national assets and government debt. A unique feature is its role in monetizing surplus electricity through state-regulated Bitcoin mining. This will give Pakistan an edge in blockchain innovation.
The Crypto Council’s first meeting in March included top lawmakers, central bank officials, and IT leaders. It was here that the idea of utilizing runoff electricity was first proposed. Now, just two months later, it’s official policy.
Crypto growth is driven by population and market trends
Pakistan ranked ninth in Chainalysis’ 2024 Global Crypto Adoption Index. This is largely due to high retail participation and centralized exchange use. According to Statista, over 27 million Pakistanis will use crypto by 2025. That’s more than 10% of the population.
With the Pakistan Bitcoin mining initiative combining regulatory clarity, incentives, and infrastructure, the country could become a major force in crypto and AI.
