By In a bold move to accelerate its entry into the global digital economy, Pakistan has launched its inaugural state-backed Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. This initiative signals a shift in national economic priorities, placing blockchain and artificial intelligence (AI) at the forefront of development.
As part of this ambitious strategy, the government has earmarked 2,000 megawatts (MW) of surplus energy—primarily from underutilized coal-powered plants—to support the establishment of Bitcoin mining operations and AI-driven data infrastructure.
The announcement was made by Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency, during the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas. Saqib emphasized that the Bitcoin reserve, held in a national digital wallet, is intended as a sovereign asset for long-term economic stability rather than for speculation or sale. He stated, “This national Bitcoin reserve is a long-term strategic asset, not a speculative play. We will hold these Bitcoin assets indefinitely—they are not for sale.”
The 2,000 MW of electricity allocated for this initiative will primarily come from underutilized coal-based power plants such as those in Sahiwal and Port Qasim. This strategy aims to repurpose idle energy into high-value digital assets, attract foreign investment, create high-tech jobs, and generate substantial international revenue.
Pakistan’s strategic geographic location, bridging Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, further enhances its appeal as a data and crypto infrastructure hub. The establishment of AI data centers will also address critical concerns around data sovereignty and cybersecurity while supporting the country’s broader digital transformation goals.
Bilal Bin Saqib described this as a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s economic evolution, stating, “Pakistan is rewriting its economic identity. No longer held back by legacy challenges, we are transforming into a digitally driven nation—led by its youth, compelled by resilience, and guided by visionary tech leadership.”