DigitalEconomy

Pakistan allocates 2,000 MW for Bitcoin mining and AI centers. 
IMF raises concerns over energy use and financial stability. Subsidized tariffs for miners spark domestic and IMF scrutiny. Pakistan aims to become a regional leader in digital services. Plan mirrors El Salvador’s Bitcoin strategy despite challenges. 
Pakistan had launched an ambitious plan to allocate 2,000 megawatts of electricity for Bitcoin mining and AI data centers. The initiative aims to leverage surplus power to attract crypto miners and tech firms. However, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised significant concerns about the strategy’s impact on the nation’s energy and financial stability.
Pakistan’s Crypto Ambitions
The government announced the allocation at the Bitcoin Vegas 2025 conference. The plan involves repurposing three underutilized coal power plants to supply electricity for mining operations. Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb stated the move could transform excess energy into a high-value digital asset. The initiative also includes tax incentives and duty exemptions to attract foreign investment.
Pakistan’s strategy extends beyond mining. The newly formed Pakistan Digital Assets Authority (PDAA) will regulate cryptocurrencies, tokenize national assets, and support blockchain startups. The country aims to capitalize on its 40 million crypto users and position itself as a regional leader in digital services.
The plan follows the establishment of a national Bitcoin reserve, signaling a shift from Pakistan’s earlier stance against legalizing cryptocurrencies. In 2023, officials cited concerns over Financial Action Task Force regulations. Now, the government sees crypto as a path to economic growth.
IMF Questions Energy Allocation
The IMF has expressed alarm over the 2,000 MW allocation. The organization was not consulted on the plan, despite ongoing negotiations for Pakistan’s extended financial program. An official involved in the talks noted that the initiative complicates discussions, as the IMF demands clarity on energy use and crypto regulations.
Pakistan faces chronic energy shortages and high electricity costs. The IMF warns that diverting power to Bitcoin mining could strain the grid and raise tariffs for households. Subsidies for miners, set at $0.09 per kWh, have also drawn scrutiny. These rates align with export industry tariffs but may conflict with IMF agreements discouraging broad energy subsidies.
The IMF has scheduled a virtual session with Pakistan’s Finance Ministry to address these concerns. The organization emphasizes that countries under its Extended Fund Facility must consult on major policy changes. Pakistan’s failure to do so has heightened tensions.
Other nations, like El Salvador, have faced similar IMF pushback. Despite securing a $1.4 billion loan, El Salvador continued expanding its Bitcoin reserves, now valued at $678 million. Pakistan’s plan mirrors this approach but faces unique challenges due to its energy crisis.
Economic and Infrastructure Challenges
Pakistan’s surplus power comes from coal plants operating at 15% capacity. The government views mining as a way to monetize this excess. However, high energy costs and an unreliable grid raise doubts about the plan’s viability. Local engineer Sana Zakir warned that the subsidized tariff model may not be sustainable long-term.
The initiative has sparked domestic debate. Economists question why miners receive subsidized rates while households and industries pay more. The speculative nature of Bitcoin holdings also concerns experts, given the cryptocurrency’s volatility.
Despite these challenges, the plan has attracted interest from international miners and tech firms. Several companies have visited Pakistan to explore opportunities. The government hopes the initiative will create jobs in engineering, IT, and data sciences while addressing data sovereignty concerns through local AI data centers.
Pakistan’s push for Bitcoin mining reflects a broader global trend. Countries like Kenya, Ethiopia, and Argentina have pursued similar crypto projects under IMF programs. Yet, Pakistan’s energy constraints and lack of regulatory clarity could hinder progress.
#BitcoinMining #PakistanCrypto #IMFCriticisms #DigitalEconomy #EnergyAllocation

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