In a groundbreaking announcement from the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas, Pakistan revealed the launch of its first state-backed Strategic Bitcoin Reserve. The initiative comes as part of a broader plan to assert the country’s leadership in the global digital economy and support innovation through a massive allocation of 2,000 megawatts (MW) of electricity to Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence (AI) data centers.
Making the announcement on a global platform, Bilal Bin Saqib—who serves as both the CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Blockchain and Cryptocurrency—positioned the initiative as a bold national step forward. Saqib described the Bitcoin reserve as a long-term sovereign store of value, emphasizing that the digital holdings will not be used for speculative trading but rather to bolster economic stability.
The move has captured international interest, especially considering Pakistan’s established presence in the crypto world, with over 40 million active digital wallets and a booming freelance workforce among the largest globally. These foundations, combined with a tech-savvy and youthful population, make Pakistan a strong contender to emerge as a regional digital powerhouse.
The allocated electricity—drawn from underused coal-fired plants in Sahiwal and Port Qasim—is set to power high-efficiency Bitcoin mining operations and AI computing infrastructure. The repurposing of idle energy assets is aimed at stimulating foreign investment, reducing energy waste, and driving technological job growth.
Pakistan’s strategic geography, connecting major global regions, gives it an added advantage for hosting digital and data infrastructure. The government also aims to enhance data sovereignty and cybersecurity by building AI data centers within national borders.
Saqib credited the shift in U.S. policy, particularly under former President Donald Trump, for catalyzing Pakistan’s pro-crypto approach. He emphasized that this strategy marks a deliberate pivot towards leveraging blockchain technology for economic diversification and fostering digital empowerment across the country.
“Pakistan is stepping confidently into the digital era,” said Saqib. “With our Bitcoin reserve and AI ambitions, we’re charting a course for sustainable innovation and growth.”
