- Pakistan plans to use surplus electricity to power Bitcoin mining and AI data centers.
- Changpeng Zhao joins Pakistan’s Crypto Council to support blockchain and mining efforts.
- Pakistan’s move could inspire South Asian nations to explore crypto mining for economic growth.
Pakistan has grabbed the headlines again by proposing to use surplus electricity for boosting Bitcoin mining and AI data centers. The initiative is led by Bilal Bin Saqib, head of Pakistan’s Crypto Council and advisor to the Finance Minister. Saqib confirmed the government is in talks with several mining firms to set up infrastructure in regions with excess power.
The announcement comes as Pakistan struggles with high electricity tariffs and underused generation capacity. A surge in solar adoption has pushed more consumers off the grid, leaving traditional energy assets idle. Officials now hope to turn that surplus into economic value through digital technology.
According to sources, Saqib stated that the location of the first mining center will be finalized based on power availability. He also emphasized the goal of converting Pakistan into a global hub for emerging tech. Pakistan has around 15 to 20 million crypto users and ranks third globally in freelance services.
He said this gives the country a strong foundation to expand blockchain and fintech adoption. To support innovation, Saqib advocates regulatory sandboxes where startups can safely test crypto products. He believes such steps will boost exports, digital services, and job creation for Pakistan’s youth.
The plan was revealed just two days after Changpeng ‘CZ’ Zhao, ex-founder of Binance, was named as a strategic adviser to Pakistan’s Crypto Council (PCC). Despite legal issues abroad, CZ will support blockchain infrastructure and help shape regulatory frameworks in Pakistan.
Related: Pakistan Plans to Legalize Crypto to Boost Global Investment
According to documents, Zhao’s role includes advising on digital currency, mining, and educational initiatives. Saqib also praised recent crypto-friendly moves in the U.S., calling Donald Trump’s policies the “biggest bullish catalyst for crypto in history.”
He referenced Trump’s executive orders and creation of a Bitcoin strategic reserve as signals of a broader global shift. “If the U.S. is stockpiling digital assets, other countries must follow or risk being left behind,” Saqib said.
Pakistan’s decision to explore crypto mining marks a major pivot in national energy and tech policy. It also aligns with global trends where governments seek new ways to utilize excess resources.
Pakistan’s move may also set off a ripple effect across South Asia, where energy inefficiencies and youthful populations collide with rising tech ambition. Questions arise about whether neighbors like India, Bangladesh, or Sri Lanka might follow suit.
With a large base of young freelancers and increasing interest in digital assets, these nations could soon look to blockchain and Bitcoin mining as tools for economic diversification. If Pakistan successfully converts surplus electricity into blockchain infrastructure, it could inspire regional governments to consider mining and AI data centers as strategic tools.
