- Pakistan allocates 2,000MW to AI data centres and Bitcoin mining to monetise surplus electricity and attract foreign investment.
- Crypto legalisation and digital infrastructure upgrades, including the Africa-2 undersea cable, position Pakistan as a new tech hub.
- The government offers incentives, including tax breaks and duty exemptions, with plans to power facilities using renewable energy.
The Government of Pakistan has released 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity to power artificial intelligence (AI) data centres and Bitcoin mining farms. This move marks the first phase of a national strategy to grow Pakistan’s digital economy.
The Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), backed by the Ministry of Finance, leads the initiative. The programme seeks to attract foreign direct investment, create skilled jobs, and boost public revenue.
Officials aim to monetise Pakistan’s surplus electricity. Several power plants currently run below capacity, wasting valuable energy. The government wants to turn this excess into a new source of income.
Pakistan recently legalised cryptocurrencies, enabling the rollout of blockchain and digital asset initiatives. The PCC now plays a key role in guiding this transformation.
Bilal Bin Saqib, PCC Director General and senior adviser to the Finance Minister, said the country can convert idle energy into a reliable dollar-based income stream.
International tech and crypto companies have shown interest. Some have already visited Pakistan to explore opportunities. Others plan to send delegations in the coming weeks.
AI and crypto infrastructure require large amounts of energy. These industries can absorb surplus electricity while generating economic value.
Pakistan offers several advantages over regional competitors. Unlike India or Singapore, it provides low-cost power and more available land, which improves its chances of becoming a digital hub.
The arrival of the Africa-2 undersea internet cable has further strengthened Pakistan’s digital infrastructure. This 45,000-kilometre cable connects 33 countries through 46 landing stations. It improves internet speed, stability, and bandwidth across the country.
Faster, more reliable internet now supports data-heavy applications like AI training and blockchain operations. Investors searching for stable hosting environments can find new options in Pakistan.
The government plans to introduce financial incentives. Officials will offer tax breaks for AI and crypto infrastructure and remove customs duties on imported equipment.
Authorities also plan to power future data centres with renewables. Pakistan’s Gharo-Keti Bandar corridor holds over 50,000MW of wind potential. Officials also consider solar and hydropower options for the coming phases.
Global demand for AI data processing now exceeds 100 gigawatts (GW), but supply lags far behind at just 15 GW. Pakistan wants to fill part of that gap with its untapped energy and growing infrastructure.
Pakistan aims to compete in the global market for digital infrastructure by offering stable electricity, improved connectivity, and new investment policies.
The government’s strategy focuses on converting surplus resources into economic growth. With this 2,000MW allocation, Pakistan has taken a significant step toward becoming a regional leader in AI and crypto development.