Pakistan Eyes Bitcoin Mining and AI Data Centers to Tap Surplus Power

Pakistan is looking to direct part of its surplus electricity toward powering Bitcoin mining and AI data centers, according to Bilal Bin Saqib, head of the Pakistan Crypto Council and adviser to the finance minister. Speaking to Reuters on Wednesday, Saqib said the government has already held discussions with several mining companies.

The country’s energy sector is facing mounting pressure from high electricity tariffs and an overabundance of power supply. The situation has been further complicated by the growing adoption of solar energy, as more consumers shift to alternative sources to manage rising costs. Saqib noted that the location of the mining center would be determined by identifying regions with the most excess power capacity.

Documents reviewed by Reuters also reveal the involvement of Changpeng Zhao, founder of Binance, who will serve as a strategic adviser to the Pakistan Crypto Council. Zhao, who was sentenced to four months in prison in May last year after pleading guilty to violating U.S. anti-money laundering laws, will now support Pakistan’s blockchain initiatives.

His responsibilities will include guiding blockchain infrastructure development, advising on crypto regulatory frameworks, and assisting with national initiatives such as digital currency projects, mining, and youth education in blockchain technologies.

Bilal Bin Saqib highlighted the growing role of crypto and tech in Pakistan’s economy, pointing out that the country has an estimated 15–20 million crypto users and is home to the third-largest freelancer economy in the world. “Pakistan is in the top 10 global crypto adopters despite it not being regularised,” he said.

He also advocated for the introduction of regulatory sandboxes to promote innovation in fintech and digital services. Saqib added that equipping Pakistan’s youth with skills in blockchain and AI could help generate jobs, increase digital exports, and establish the country as a competitive hub for emerging tech talent.