Key Takeaways
- Pakistan may use surplus electricity to power bitcoin mining operations.
- Officials aim to attract global miners by offering low-cost power.
- A pilot project and national blockchain policy are in development.
Pakistan is considering bitcoin mining as a solution to manage its surplus electricity and convert it into economic value, according to discussions held during the first meeting of the newly formed Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC).
Government involvement
Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb, along with officials from the State Bank and the Securities and Exchange Commission, joined the meeting to explore how Bitcoin could be integrated into the country’s financial system.
The initiative aims to use excess power—currently underutilized due to infrastructure challenges and low demand—for profitable mining operations.
Vision for the future
Aurangzeb said:
This is the beginning of a new digital chapter for our economy. We are committed to build a transparent, future-ready financial system that not only fuels innovation but also puts Pakistan on the global map as a leader in blockchain and digital assets.
Economic opportunities
Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of PCC, emphasized the opportunity to turn surplus energy from a liability into an asset.
Industry data shows that electricity costs make up roughly 70% of bitcoin mining expenses, making low-cost power a key competitive advantage.
Attracting global miners
To attract global miners, Pakistan’s Ministry of Energy is working on a special tariff that would offer cheap electricity without subsidies.
Power Minister Awais Leghari has been in talks with PCC leaders to advance this plan.
Regulatory developments
Regulations are also in development.
A pilot project is expected to lay the groundwork for a national blockchain policy, with the goal of building a compliant and energy-efficient mining industry.
