The government of Pakistan has made a remarkable decision in a bid to make the country a powerhouse of digital innovations by allocating 2,000 megawatts of electricity to Cryptocurrency mining and Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centers. Pakistan’s rich, strategic, and technology-enabled youthful population is countering the digital revolution while asserting the country’s position in the global digital economy. Supported by a progressive civilian regime and institutional backing, this bold move is more than a gamble; it is part of a planned policy to turn Pakistan into a key developer and innovator in ethical blockchain technology.

Furthermore, the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), alongside other international collaborators such as World Liberty Financial (WLF), is seeking to use blockchain technology to harness surplus energy for foreign investment and create job opportunities for the population. This strategy aims to resolve the country’s energy predicaments while placing Pakistan in a position of dominance as a leader in the upcoming decentralized economy driven by blockchain technologies rooted in transparency, sustainability, and ethical practices.

Pakistan has begun investing in AI technologies and converting surplus electricity into Cryptocurrency mining

Pakistan has begun investing in AI technologies and converting surplus electricity into Cryptocurrency mining, adopting a more assertive stance towards the country’s digital transformation. This policy has already received legislative and institutional support.

The transition is being led by the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), which was created in March 2025 by Bilal Bin Saqib, a Web3 advocate and counselor to Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb. The PCC promotes responsible crypto mining as a key aspect of Pakistan’s future digital economy and strategic sustainability objectives.

The electricity generation output of Pakistan is currently over 130 billion kilowatt-hours, which results in frequent surplus capacity. This is mainly driven by the country’s aging national grid, coupled with the recent increase in decentralized solar PV. While Pakistan has abundant renewable energy resources, the government pays billions in capacity payments to idle power plants. Harnessing these resources to emerging sectors such as renewable-powered crypto mining not only addresses the country’s structural inefficiencies but also enables Pakistan to emerge as a world leader in the digital economy.

In Pakistan, the strategy is coordinated and open.

Comparatively, this is very different from other places with uncontrolled mining operations that have shattered power grids. In Pakistan, the strategy is coordinated and open.

Sustainably cautious development accompanied by ecological rehabilitation will ensure reduced ecological footprints

The civilian regime, aided by authorities like NEPRA and the State Bank of Pakistan, has created a modular system that integrates ethical grid and ecological conservation mining. Within ecosystem-sensitive sustainable development frameworks, pilot projects in energy surplus regions such as Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will aim to capture and repurpose renewable energy on a larger scale for long-term value. Sustainably cautious development accompanied by ecological rehabilitation will ensure reduced ecological footprints.

With consumer-empowered profit-driving clean oversight mining on the table, Finance Minister Aurangzeb comments on the shifts enabling competitive electricity tariffs that are not artificially subsidized, set to stimulate foreign investments. The focus shifts towards intricate value creation as long-term decay in asset value and financial losses are recovered through sustainable and responsible infrastructure investments by major mining conglomerates.

Changes in governance that enable ethical frameworks for mining and integrate them into ecological and societal considerations do not number among the first shared traits of the government’s approach to ethical mining.

Pakistan is attempting to merge its crypto ambitions with the 2030 national renewable energy goals aimed at reducing fossil fuel dependence while meeting international climate obligations

PCC is collaborating with NEPRA to design an energy allocation policy for mining that does not worsen the existing energy imbalances. With plans to place mining farms alongside renewable energy projects, Pakistan is attempting to merge its crypto ambitions with the 2030 national renewable energy goals aimed at reducing fossil fuel dependence while meeting international climate obligations. This policy approach not only addresses the country’s internal energy challenges but also positions Pakistan as a possible leader in sustainable crypto mining.

Alongside Notable Partners: Pakistan’s partnership with World Liberty Financial, which is 60 percent owned by associates of U.S. President Donald Trump, has raised eyebrows. Nevertheless, this collaboration, formed in April 2025, marks a significant move to improving Pakistan’s digital economy. The participation of prominent stakeholders such as Changpeng Zhao, former CEO of Binance and strategic advisor to the PCC, strengthens the initiative’s global endorsement. The initiative aims to foster innovation, build blockchain infrastructure, and issue USD1. This USD-pegged stablecoin could revolutionize remittances and international trade in the Pakistani economy. This is not a geopolitical maneuver, but the direction and resolve with which it has been executed showcase the strategic ingenuity of the civilian government in deploying global paradigms and funding.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan is collaborating with PCC, aiming to enforce international standards that mitigate risks of fraud and money laundering associated with the use of decentralized platforms. “When it comes to Quality, Standard, and Transparency at the international level,” Pakistan partnered with some of the best global associates to design a trusted blockchain platform that will prepare its markets to spearhead decentralized finance (DeFi) together with ethical investors. The early initiative demonstrates transparency while reinforcing the global trust and accountability of Pakistan’s initiatives in crypto.

The possible launch of a USD-backed stablecoin, valued at $30 billion, has the potential to transform the remittance market in Pakistan

The possible launch of a USD-backed stablecoin, valued at $30 billion, has the potential to transform the remittance market in Pakistan. The stablecoin is designed to benefit millions of overseas Pakistanis by reducing transaction costs and improving accessibility to financial services. While the government does not currently support the issuance of a “USD 1” stablecoin, regulatory interest and activity toward blockchain-based remittance systems point to a strong desire for digital innovation.

Due to strict regulations, experimental use of stablecoin shows that the civilian government seeks to construct a protective and resilient digital economy for cross-border transactions in Pakistan. This would allow Pakistan to participate in the evolving global fintech landscape.

Under NEPRA’s supervision, mining farms bound to off-peak periods or renewable energy surplus zones ensure that the national grid doesn’t destabilize

Critics might argue that crypto mining is not a good use of resources, while Pakistan is facing an energy crisis. However, this completely ignores the strategic foresight of the civilian government. The energy sector, plagued with high tariffs and persistent oversupply, stands to gain tremendously from redirecting surplus power to mining. While unregulated mining contributed to blackouts in Iran, Pakistan’s government-sponsored mining regulates the market and improves energy efficiency. Under NEPRA’s supervision, mining farms bound to off-peak periods or renewable energy surplus zones ensure that the national grid doesn’t destabilize. This is particularly advantageous for Pakistan’s renewable energy drive since the expansion of solar and wind energy sources can sustainably and cleanly power mining operations.

The economic consequences of this approach are nothing short of transformative.

Within the next five years, ethical crypto mining can yield up to ten billion dollars by harnessing energy that would otherwise be wasted. The Ministry of Energy is working with the PCC to ensure that these endeavors are carried out in a properly monitored manner, focusing on corporate social responsibility, consumer protection, and transparency. Countries like Iceland and Canada serve as global role models for Pakistan as the government builds a sustainability model in its energy sector, which proves innovation does not have to come at the expense of energy equity.

Additionally, the civilian government is tackling energy access issues and making public the civic approaches they are employing through open dialogue. Through its active Information Ministry, the Pakistani government is reassuring consumers and diligently countering potential unrest by informing citizens about the employment and economic growth opportunities that responsible mining brings. This public-friendly image fosters hope and collaboration during the crypto boom while also reassuring the populace that electricity needs will be met.

Pakistan’s youth is embracing the latest crypto trend as an avenue for exploration and a means to pursue their passions. With the evolution of the crypto trend, the enduring spirit of entrepreneurship, education, and contribution to an ever-growing digital economy is taking center stage.

Pakistan ranks amongst the top 10 countries globally for cryptocurrency adoption, with an estimated 15 to 20 million people holding cryptocurrencies. This is in part due to over 60% of the population being under 30 years of age and a lack of regulation. The nation also has the third-largest freelance workforce, which, along with advances in AI and blockchain, creates opportunities that the government is beginning to take advantage of. Supported by the Higher Education Commission, the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) is starting intensive upskilling projects in AI modeling, blockchain engineering, and DeFi infrastructure. These initiatives seek to establish a new high-growth sector that generates jobs of around $500 per month at least and positions Pakistan as a leading exporter of digital services.

Developing regulatory sandboxes, controlled by the SECP, allows for fair experimentation with blockchain innovations, thus fostering innovative entrepreneurship. This move indicates an encouraging shift from the previous cautious approach of considering a crypto ban in 2022 and showcases a more open, civilian-led governance. By foregoing restrictions, Pakistan is prioritizing ethical innovation, creating a positive atmosphere for foreign investment, and empowering its citizens.

This is highly important for Pakistan’s youth, who are now actively trying to find work in the country’s digital economy and seeking opportunities in the global economy.

Navigating Global Challenges with Assurance: The aspirations of Pakistan in cryptocurrency have garnered attention from its neighbor India, as well as institutions like FATF, which raises concerns regarding possible circumvention of sanctions and gaps in governance. Looking at things from the other side, the civilian government’s commitment to social responsibility in mining within the context of the institutional framework addresses these concerns. Pakistan’s history with FATF reforms shows that it can meet these requirements. Their involvement with key investors like WLF and Zhao protects them from misuse and enhances Pakistan’s reputation as a responsible crypto stakeholder. Combined with intense supervision from the SECP, Pakistan’s credibility as a hospitable blockchain investment destination is augmented by the PCC’s resolve to issue clarifying regulations on these matters.

The steadfast resolve of the civilian government, backed by strong state institutions, has put the country’s crypto revolution at its fingertips

Ethical Crypto Innovation Olympics In Pakistan: The steadfast resolve of the civilian government, backed by strong state institutions, has put the country’s crypto revolution at its fingertips, and only time is needed to recover from the economic injuries beset upon it. With the right amount of excess energy, aimed social diplomacy, and empowering its young population, Pakistan can truly redefine its economy.

Pakistan virtually positions itself as a prominent figure in spearheading the world’s blockchain revolution, considering its $25 billion crypto market

The WLF partnership functions as a means of securing investment and specialized knowledge instead of serving as a geopolitical concession. Pakistan virtually positions itself as a prominent figure in spearheading the world’s blockchain revolution, considering its $25 billion crypto market, considerable population of freelancers, and strong will towards sustainable and ethical business practices.

Backing Pakistan’s civilian administration alongside institutional responsibility frameworks makes this possible. This strategy not only prolongs economic transformation based on advanced technologies but also establishes the nation as one of the leading players in the digital ecosystem. Pakistan’s approach to cryptocurrency enables the country to foster socially responsible innovation, proving grounded frameworks for the accountable implementation of cryptocurrencies.

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author. They do not represent the views, beliefs, or policies of the Stratheia.

Author

  • Khurram Haris

    The author is a prominent businessman, consultant, and financial analyst who has advised various government and private institutions in Pakistan, the GCC, the USA, the UK, and Canada.

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