Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb announced that the government has allocated 2,000 megawatts of electricity for Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence (AI) data centres as part of its broader strategy to position Pakistan as a regional digital hub.

The minister said the step marks Pakistan’s first significant leap towards embracing the digital economy. “This allocation of power is not just about crypto or AI—it’s about shaping a digital future for the country,” Aurangzeb stated.

The government’s plan involves utilising surplus electricity to power advanced computing facilities, a move that is expected to attract foreign investment, generate employment, and diversify the economy.

"Excess electricity will now become a source of national income," the minister added, hinting at the economic potential of the initiative.

Crypto council and global interest

The announcement coincides with growing interest from international investors and digital infrastructure companies. According to Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council, global firms are already showing interest in Pakistan’s emerging digital ecosystem.

"Pakistan is well-positioned to become a global hub for crypto and AI, especially with nearly 40 million local users already engaged in digital assets," Saqib said. He added that Pakistan has the leadership potential in South Asia to guide the region’s crypto growth.

The Pakistan Crypto Council, a private-sector initiative, is reportedly playing a key role in building the framework for integrating digital assets into the national economy.

Tax incentives and renewable energy

Sources close to the Ministry of Finance confirmed that the government is likely to introduce tax exemptions and other incentives to facilitate the development of AI and blockchain infrastructure. These may include customs relief for equipment import and income tax holidays for firms investing in data centre development.

In a separate announcement, the government revealed plans to establish data centres powered by renewable energy sources in the next phase of development, aligning with global trends in green computing.

In another boost to the country’s digital infrastructure, officials confirmed that the arrival of the Africa-2 submarine cable will significantly enhance internet connectivity across Pakistan. The undersea cable, which links Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia, is expected to improve internet speed and reliability—essential components for sustaining data-intensive AI and blockchain operations.

Aurangzeb emphasised the employment benefits of the initiative, stating that the development of data centres and blockchain mining operations would create thousands of jobs. These range from construction and engineering roles to software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics positions.