Pakistan is considering using its surplus electricity to power Bitcoin mining and AI data centers, according to Bilal Bin Saqib, head of the Pakistan Crypto Council and advisor to the finance minister.
The country’s energy sector is struggling with high electricity prices and excess capacity. The growing use of solar power has made the situation more complex, as many consumers switch to cheaper energy sources.
Saqib told Reuters that the location for the mining center will be chosen based on where extra electricity is available. The plan also involves Binance founder Changpeng Zhao, who will advise the Pakistan Crypto Council. Zhao was recently jailed for four months in the U.S. for breaking anti-money laundering laws.
Also read; Pakistan to legalize Crypto to attract foreign investment
Pakistan has 15-20 million cryptocurrency users and is the third-largest freelance economy globally. Saqib said Pakistan is among the top 10 countries for crypto adoption, even though it is not yet regulated. He wants a “regulatory sandbox” to help fintech and freelancers grow.
The council also aims to train young people in blockchain and AI to create jobs, boost digital exports, and make Pakistan a global tech talent hub.
