Pakistan plans to assign surplus electricity from its national grid to Bitcoin (BTC) mining operations and artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, as indicated by Bilal Bin Saqib, an adviser to the country’s Crypto Council and finance ministry.
According to reports, this initiative stems from discussions with various mining firms and is part of a larger effort to tackle structural inefficiencies within the energy sector while positioning the nation in the realm of emerging technologies.
This initiative aligns with the recent appointment of Changpeng Zhao (CZ), the founder of Binance, as a strategic adviser to the Pakistan Crypto Council.
Documents reviewed confirm that Zhao’s advisory role will include aiding in blockchain infrastructure, providing guidance on regulatory frameworks, and supporting national cryptocurrency initiatives.
Power surplus and mining site planning
The energy sector in Pakistan has faced turmoil due to high electricity costs and ongoing overcapacity. The growth of solar installations by consumers looking to cut expenses has complicated predictions for national grid demand while decreasing industrial consumption.
As a result, the government is exploring methods to convert excess generation into productive economic activities.
Saqib noted that the availability of excess electricity in different regions will influence the placement of mining centers. Many provinces are already exhibiting consistent oversupply patterns, making them suitable for localized mining endeavors without placing additional strain on the larger energy network.
He also highlighted the country’s goal of diversifying the usage of surplus energy, mentioning AI data centers as another avenue for deployment. These facilities are expected to need continuous, high-density computing workloads that can align with the variable availability of grid surplus.
Discussions are ongoing with mining companies to establish agreements regarding infrastructure, energy off-take, and compliance protocols.
Regulatory and educational expansion
Zhao’s addition to the advisory board is part of a wider institutional initiative. His role will extend to regulatory advancement, assisting in the creation of sandbox environments that enable fintech startups and crypto-related businesses to function under minimal oversight as policies evolve.
Saqib stated that Pakistan is home to approximately 15 to 20 million cryptocurrency users, even in the absence of formal regulations. The country is also recognized as the third-largest freelance economy globally.
These user demographics, along with increasing internet access and a developing fintech sector, are crucial to the government’s emphasis on blockchain and cryptocurrency as sectors for structured growth.
Saqib advocated for skills development programs in blockchain and AI aimed at the youth. These initiatives strive to position the nation as a digital services exporter while creating job opportunities in technology-related fields.
The educational initiatives are anticipated to focus on blockchain engineering, DeFi infrastructure, and AI modeling, addressing local industry demands and facilitating cross-border service exports. Utilizing Bitcoin mining as a means to absorb electricity excess reflects a shift in national policy toward monetizing underutilized resources.
Final decisions regarding sites and partnerships will await the completion of regional energy assessments and adherence to new technical standards.