tl;dr
Pakistan is considering allocating excess electricity from its national grid to Bitcoin mining operations and artificial intelligence data centers. This initiative follows consultations with mining firms and aims to address energy sector inefficiencies while advancing the country's position in emerg...
Pakistan is considering allocating excess electricity from its national grid to Bitcoin mining operations and artificial intelligence data centers. This initiative follows consultations with mining firms and aims to address energy sector inefficiencies while advancing the country's position in emerging technologies.
Changpeng Zhao, founder of Binance, has been appointed as a strategic adviser to the Pakistan Crypto Council, with a focus on blockchain infrastructure and regulatory frameworks. The government also plans to upskill the youth in blockchain and AI, positioning the country for digital services exports and tech-aligned employment opportunities.
The use of Bitcoin mining as a sink for electricity overproduction reflects a shift in national policy toward monetizing underutilized infrastructure.
Pakistan’s energy sector has experienced volatility due to high electricity tariffs and persistent overcapacity. The government is seeking avenues to convert surplus generation into economically productive activities. Talks are ongoing with mining companies to determine infrastructure, energy off-take agreements, and compliance protocols.
Zhao’s involvement will extend to regulatory development, helping establish sandbox environments that allow fintech startups and crypto-related ventures to operate under limited supervision while policies are refined. Pakistan aims to position itself as a digital services exporter and generate employment opportunities in tech-aligned fields through educational programs in blockchain and AI.
The final site selections and partner announcements are pending completion of regional energy availability assessments and compliance with new technical standards.