Pakistan to allocate 2,000 MW for Bitcoin mining and AI data centers

Pakistan will allocate 2,000 megawatts of electricity for Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence (AI) data centers.

According to a Bloomberg report, the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) overseeing the project confirmed that three underutilized coal-powered plants, currently operating at just 15% capacity, will be repurposed to support this initiative.

This development is part of the government’s broader efforts to legalize crypto, attract foreign investment, and modernize its tech infrastructure.

Daniel Batten, a Bitcoin mining researcher, said that if half of the allocated power goes toward BTC mining, assuming they operate in near-optimal conditions, the country could generate around 17,000 BTC annually.

He added that the development could trigger regional competition, suggesting India might follow suit.

Pakistan’s crypto ambitions have increased significantly, with several notable moves and projects initiated in the past several months.

The government has begun laying regulatory groundwork for the emerging industry, appointed Binance founder Changpeng Zhao as an advisor to the PCC, and partnered with World Liberty Financial (WLFI), a Donald Trump-related DeFi venture, to promote blockchain adoption.

IMF pressure hangs over Pakistan

Pakistan’s strategy puts it in the same group as several other countries embracing digital assets despite active loan agreements with the International Monetary Fund.

The country recently secured a $2.1 billion IMF package to support economic recovery, yet remains committed to expanding its crypto footprint.

Mathew Sigel, VanEck’s head of research, pointed out that other nations with similar approaches include El Salvador, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Argentina. These countries have pursued several Bitcoin-related projects while under IMF programs.

The IMF has repeatedly warned that exposure to Bitcoin could pose financial risks, particularly when governments are directly involved in buying or mining the asset.

Still, none of these countries have halted their adoption plans. El Salvador stands out as a key example. Despite the IMF’s pushback, it has continued to expand its Bitcoin reserves, now holding over 6,000 BTC, valued at $678 million.

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