The country had hoped to allocate 2,000 megawatts from its national grid to power both Bitcoin mining and AI data centers. The initiative, led by the Pakistan Crypto Council, aimed to attract foreign investment, boost tech jobs, and establish the country as a digital infrastructure hub. Officials promoted Pakistan’s geographic position as ideal for global data flow between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
But mounting regulatory pressure is becoming a reality. The IMF, already wary of Pakistan’s national Bitcoin reserve plans, flagged legal and energy distribution concerns and noted that it hadn’t been consulted before the government went public with its proposal. The World Bank is now reviewing the strategy.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has attempted to strengthen its crypto framework with the launch of the Pakistan Digital Assets Authority earlier this year, echoing the pro-crypto stance of leaders like U.S. President Donald Trump. However, skepticism remains high, especially as lawmakers question recent financial settlements, while officials defend the integrity of ongoing reforms, including anti-overbilling apps for consumers.
Whether Pakistan can push forward with its crypto ambitions will depend on how it navigates international scrutiny and internal economic strains.
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