The government is now eyeing a new opportunity—crypto mining in Pakistan. Officials are considering using surplus electricity to power cryptocurrency mining operations. This move aims to attract blockchain-based data centers and boost the country’s digital asset industry.
Authorities are working on a special electricity pricing system for this purpose. The goal is to promote crypto mining in Pakistan without putting extra pressure on the national power grid or relying on subsidies.
Sources from the Power Division shared that talks are underway with various stakeholders. The focus is to create a cost-effective tariff model for digital mining operations. This step could help absorb the country’s excess power supply and reduce capacity payments made to independent power producers (IPPs).
One government official highlighted that electricity makes up nearly 60–70% of total costs in Bitcoin mining. Because of Pakistan’s surplus energy, this could give the country a competitive edge. Still, concerns remain. The country’s energy infrastructure must be stable enough to ensure uninterrupted supply for large-scale mining activities.
Global Perspective on Crypto Mining
Around the world, Bitcoin mining is known for its huge energy use—over 130 terawatt hours annually. That’s more than what countries like Argentina or the Netherlands consume. Each country has responded differently to this high energy demand:
China: Banned mining in 2021 due to energy shortages and environmental issues.
Iran: Allows crypto mining with subsidized electricity but shuts down operations during peak load times.
Kazakhstan: Welcomed miners at first, but later imposed high tariffs and taxes after facing power shortages.
El Salvador: Uses geothermal energy from volcanoes to support its mining operations after adopting Bitcoin as legal currency.
Compared to others, crypto mining in Pakistan seems to be taking a balanced approach. The government is neither banning it nor ignoring the environmental impact. The aim is to gain economic benefit while managing energy wisely.
Pakistan Crypto Council’s Role
The Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) is playing a leading role in this initiative. The body has been pushing for legalizing crypto mining. Its CEO, Bilal Bin Saqib, recently met with Energy Minister Owais Leghari. They discussed how the country’s unused power can be turned into a digital economic asset through crypto mining in Pakistan.
Later, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb chaired the PCC’s first formal meeting. The council presented its vision for integrating cryptocurrency into the national economy. Key attendees included the Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Jamil Ahmed; SECP Chairman Akif Saeed; and secretaries from the IT and Law Ministries.
At the meeting, Saqib proposed that Pakistan should not waste surplus electricity. Instead, it should turn it into a source of revenue through Bitcoin mining. This, he said, would be a smarter use of energy.
Regulatory Framework Still Missing
A major challenge, however, is the absence of proper regulation. Saqib stressed the need to study global crypto laws and adopt suitable models for the country. Finance Minister Aurangzeb agreed that legal clarity is vital for attracting investors and expanding the crypto sector.
The council also listed key steps for the future:
Create a licensing system for mining and exchange platforms.
Set consumer protection laws to stop fraud and misuse.
Develop a national blockchain strategy.
Launch pilot mining projects to test large-scale operations.
The PCC plans to work closely with digital finance institutions already active in this field. Their expertise will help shape Pakistan’s approach.
Finance Minister Aurangzeb called this a “new digital chapter” for the country. He said crypto mining in Pakistan could open doors to investment, jobs, and youth empowerment. He added, “We are building a transparent, innovation-friendly financial system that positions Pakistan as a global leader in blockchain and digital assets.”
As crypto mining in Pakistan moves from concept to action, the country must handle both risks and rewards. While excess electricity is a strong advantage, steady power supply and clear regulations will be key to success.
