Government of Pakistan Moves Toward Crypto Adoption with Strategic Bitcoin Reserve

In a bold move toward digital innovation, Pakistan has announced the establishment of a national Bitcoin strategic reserve and the allocation of 2,000 megawatts (MW) of surplus electricity to power cryptocurrency mining operations and AI data centers.

The initiative, spearheaded by the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC), was unveiled by Bilal Bin Saqib—CEO of the PCC and Minister for Crypto and Blockchain—during the Bitcoin 2025 Conference in Las Vegas. He stated that the government intends to accumulate Bitcoin in a sovereign wallet without any plans to liquidate, signaling a long-term commitment to digital asset adoption.

This energy allocation is part of a broader economic strategy to utilize excess electricity capacity, which has been a longstanding issue due to high energy costs and the rapid uptake of solar alternatives. By redirecting this unused power into high-tech sectors like crypto mining and artificial intelligence, the government aims to boost job creation, enhance digital infrastructure, and attract foreign investment.

Despite the forward-looking strategy, regulatory tensions persist. Officials from Pakistan’s central bank and the Ministry of Finance have reiterated that cryptocurrency trading and transactions remain illegal under current laws. This apparent policy contradiction has sparked confusion and criticism both domestically and internationally.

The PCC, established in March 2025, continues to advocate for the integration of blockchain technology and digital finance into Pakistan’s economic framework. The council is actively working to establish a formal regulatory structure to govern the evolving crypto landscape.

As of now, Bitcoin is trading at approximately $105,474 USD.