Pakistan is exploring the use of its surplus electricity to power Bitcoin mining operations and AI data centres, according to Bilal Bin Saqib, head of Pakistan’s Crypto Council and adviser to the finance minister.
Facing mounting pressure from high electricity tariffs and excess power generation, the government sees digital infrastructure as a potential win-win solution. The boom in solar energy has added to the complexity, as consumers increasingly shift away from traditional grid power.
Speaking to Reuters, Saqib revealed that the location of the mining centre will be selected based on regions with excess power availability, optimising resource use while supporting Pakistan’s digital growth agenda.
Saqib noted that Pakistan has between 15–20 million crypto users, ranks among the top 10 countries in global crypto adoption, and holds the title of third-largest freelancer economy—a sector closely tied to fintech innovation.
“Pakistan is in the top 10 global crypto adopters despite it not being regularised,” he added.
To unlock the country’s digital potential, he’s advocating for regulatory sandboxes—safe spaces for startups and innovators to test blockchain and fintech solutions without immediate regulatory pressure.
Saqib added that upskilling youth in blockchain and AI could not only drive job creation but also boost exports through digital services, helping Pakistan position itself as a global hub for emerging tech talent.
