Pakistan allocates 2000 MW to crypto and AI centers

Plan aims to turn surplus power into digital infrastructure for mining and AI while attracting foreign investment

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan (MNTV) — Pakistan has announced plans to allocate 2,000 megawatts of electricity to power cryptocurrency mining and artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, marking its most ambitious step yet toward becoming a regional digital hub.

Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb said the move is part of a broader strategy to leverage surplus energy for high-demand computing infrastructure, including blockchain networks and AI-driven platforms.

“This allocation of power is not just about crypto or AI—it’s about shaping a digital future for the country,” Aurangzeb stated during a press briefing. “Excess electricity will now become a source of national income.”

According to Samaa TV, the initiative is expected to attract foreign investment, create thousands of jobs, and stimulate Pakistan’s digital economy, which already boasts nearly 40 million users engaged in digital assets.

Private sector players have also welcomed the move. Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council, said international firms are closely watching developments in Pakistan’s digital landscape. “Pakistan is well-positioned to become a global hub for crypto and AI,” he said. “It has the scale, the user base, and now the government backing to lead South Asia in this space.”

The Pakistan Crypto Council, a private-sector initiative, has reportedly played a key role in shaping the national framework for integrating digital assets into the economy.

Officials say the government is also preparing a set of fiscal incentives, including potential tax exemptions, customs relief for imported equipment, and income tax holidays for companies investing in AI and blockchain infrastructure.

In line with sustainability goals, the government announced plans to develop renewable energy-powered data centers in a future phase of the initiative, reflecting a global shift toward greener tech infrastructure.

Separately, the arrival of the Africa-2 submarine internet cable—linking Africa, the Middle East, and South Asia—is expected to enhance Pakistan’s digital connectivity. The new undersea system is seen as critical for supporting the high-speed, high-volume demands of AI and crypto mining operations.

Aurangzeb underscored the employment potential of the project, stating that new jobs would span fields from construction and electrical engineering to software development, cybersecurity, and data analytics.

The initiative comes at a time when Pakistan is seeking to diversify its economy, modernize its infrastructure, and tap into the growing global demand for decentralized computing and AI services.