Pakistan has announced the allocation of 2,000 megawatts of electricity for Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence (AI) data centers, signaling a bold shift toward embracing cutting-edge technologies amid ongoing economic reforms.

The Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) has confirmed that three power plants that are underutilized will now be used for bitcoin mining. Bringing crypto and AI to these facilities is expected to liven up old infrastructure and push Pakistan forward in crypto and AI fields.

With half the energy set aside for Bitcoin mining at optimal points, Pakistan could have the chance to generate over 17,000 BTC each year and transform its digital economy, Daniel Batten says.

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Batten added that such huge drives may encourage more local involvement. We shouldn’t be surprised if other nearby countries offer similar initiatives.

This matches the Pakistani government’s efforts to bring in foreign money, develop its tech sector and build ground rules for cryptocurrency. Last year, Pakistan worked more closely with cryptocurrency, making important partnerships and hiring the founder of Binance as a consultant for the PCC.

Public and private sectors are now being supported by a partnership of the UAE with World Liberty Financial (WLFI), an uncentralized finance initiative previously backed by former U.S. President Donald Trump.

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Even so, this development happens after Pakistan and the IMF settled on a $2.1 billion package designed to help the country’s economy. In particular, the IMF cautions that governments taking direct steps in cryptocurrencies, particularly Bitcoin, could create new financial threats. Even so, Pakistan remains unaffected.

“This strategy places Pakistan in the company of nations like El Salvador, Argentina, Kenya, and Ethiopia,” said Mathew Sigel, Head of Research at VanEck. “These countries have all pursued aggressive crypto agendas while navigating IMF loan programs.”

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In El Salvador, national Bitcoin reserves have grown beyond 6,000 BTC, which converts to over $678 million, despite the IMF repeatedly warning the country not to add Bitcoin.

The emphasis on cryptocurrency in Pakistan reflects a big change in digital policy among the region’s countries. Once infrastructure and regulations are ready, the country may soon become South Asia’s leader in crypto and AI.