The Pakistan government has decided to allocate 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity as part of the first phase of a national initiative to support Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence (AI) data centres.
Pakistani Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said this was the country’s first major step towards a digital economy, noting: “This allocation of resources is not just about cryptocurrency or AI — it is about shaping the digital future of our country.”
The minister added that excess electricity could now serve as a “source of national income.”
The Finance Department said in a statement that the initiative, backed by the PCC (Pakistan Cryptocurrency Council), a government body, is in line with a broader strategy to create high-tech jobs, attract billions of dollars in foreign direct investment and generate billions of dollars in government revenue.
PCC CEO Bilal bin Saqib said: “This energy-backed digital transformation not only facilitates access to high-value investments but also enables the government to earn foreign exchange in US dollars through Bitcoin mining.”
The statement also noted that Pakistan has both economic and geographical advantages to become a “global data centre hub” as it serves as a digital bridge between the Middle East, Europe and Asia.
Sources close to the ministry said the government may soon introduce tax incentives to encourage the development of blockchain and AI infrastructure. These incentives could include reduced income taxes and import duties for companies investing in data centers.
The government has also revealed its intentions to build renewable energy-powered data centres in the next phase. Officials have already confirmed that the new Africa-2 Sable submarine cable project will improve internet connectivity in the country.
The submarine cable connects 46 landing stations to 33 countries in Africa, South Asia and the Middle East. It is expected to increase the country’s capacity, add backup routes and reduce latency, which is essential for the rel=”nofollow noopener” target=”_blank”> meeting, Saqib emphasized the key role of Pakistan’s youth in this process. He said, “The Pakistan Crypto Council exists because our youth are demanding a seat at the global tech table. We are building for a generation that sees opportunities in digital finance, decentralization and AI for leadership, innovation and development of the nation.”
Saqib then briefed the army chief on the latest developments in the council. He noted the visit of the World Liberty Financial delegation and Binance founder Changpeng Zhao. He also spoke about the ongoing negotiations to develop regulations and partnerships to develop digital skills and raise the country’s profile on the international stage.
Trump’s World Liberty Financial (WLF) also signed a Letter of Intent with the Pakistan Cryptocurrency Council. The main goal is to accelerate blockchain projects, use stablecoins, and increase DeFi adoption in Pakistan.
Source: cryptonews.net
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