Pakistan Builds Crypto and AI Hubs With Surplus Energy

Pakistan has found a surprising use for its unused energy: powering Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence data centers.
The country faces two challenges — high electricity costs and extra power generation. Officials believe tech infrastructure can offer a smart solution. Instead of wasting the energy, Pakistan wants to monetize it by supporting advanced computing projects.
Bilal Bin Saqib, head of the Pakistan Crypto Council and advisor to the finance minister, leads the project. He says the plan isn’t just about mining coins. It’s about building the backbone for a digital economy.
“We’re done watching from the sidelines,” Saqib said. “It’s time to lead.”
Crypto Council Maps Out the Road Ahead
The government recently launched the Crypto Council to develop a formal digital strategy. Discussions with mining companies have already started. These firms will operate in areas with consistent energy surpluses.
Saqib points to the United States under President Trump as a model. There, crypto-friendly policies helped boost innovation and investment. Pakistan aims to follow a similar path, but with its own approach.
One key part of the strategy includes “regulatory sandboxes.” These test zones allow startups to experiment with blockchain without heavy restrictions. Officials hope this encourages innovation while keeping risk low.