The Pakistani government is seriously considering the possibility of using its electricity surplus for Bitcoin mining and hosting AI centers as it seeks to convert an energy surplus into national economic leverage.
Islamabad has already started discussions with several mining companies to exploit its electricity surplus, particularly in regions with abundant energy capacity, according to Bilal Bin Saqib, director of the Pakistan Crypto Council.
The initiative is said to be part of a broader strategy aimed at monetizing the underutilized resources of the country.
The South Asian country faces an energy paradox: while some regions experience electricity shortages, others produce more energy than they consume.
Experts say the growing development of solar energy exacerbates this imbalance, creating surpluses that are difficult to store or redistribute effectively.
In this scenario, Bitcoin mining has emerged as a likely solution to monetize this surplus while positioning Pakistan on the global map of blockchain technologies.
If successfully implemented, experts say, the approach could transform an infrastructure problem into a competitive advantage.
This initiative is also seen as fitting into a broader vision for the country’s digital development.
Recently, Changpeng Zhao, founder of Binance and a prominent figure in the crypto world, recently joined the Pakistan Crypto Council as a strategic advisor, reinforcing the credibility of the national project.
His expertise could be crucial in developing the country’s blockchain infrastructure, establishing a solid regulatory framework, and training the Pakistani experts in emerging technologies.
This collaboration is expected to accelerate the development of a dynamic local crypto ecosystem.
Pakistan already shows considerable potential, ranking among the top ten countries in crypto adoption with 15 to 20 million users. The country also hosts the third largest freelance community in the world, creating a talent pool for the digital economy.
To maximize these opportunities, Bilal Bin Saqib emphasizes the importance of creating regulatory sandboxes. These, he says, would allow for testing crypto solutions in a controlled environment while heavily investing in the technical training of young Pakistani professionals.
