Pakistan Bets Big on Crypto and AI—Allocates 2,000 MW for Mining and Data Centers

Pakistan just made a power play—literally. The government is earmarking a staggering 2,000 megawatts exclusively for Bitcoin mining operations and AI data centers. That’s enough juice to mine a fortune or train an army of chatbots.

Why the sudden surge? The move signals Pakistan’s attempt to carve out a slice of the digital economy pie—while conveniently sidestepping its energy grid’s notorious inefficiencies. Nothing like crypto and AI to distract from rolling blackouts, right?

Mining farms and server racks will soon compete for bandwidth in a country where electricity is often more volatile than Bitcoin’s price. Will this gamble pay off—or will it be another case of ‘buy high, regret higher’? Only the hash rate knows.

IMF pressure hangs over Pakistan

Pakistan’s strategy puts it in the same group as several other countries embracing digital assets despite active loan agreements with the International Monetary Fund.

The country recently secured a $2.1 billion IMF package to support economic recovery, yet remains committed to expanding its crypto footprint.

Mathew Sigel, VanEck’s head of research, pointed out that other nations with similar approaches include El Salvador, Kenya, Ethiopia, and Argentina. These countries have pursued several Bitcoin-related projects while under IMF programs.

The IMF has repeatedly warned that exposure to Bitcoin could pose financial risks, particularly when governments are directly involved in buying or mining the asset.

Still, none of these countries have halted their adoption plans. El Salvador stands out as a key example. Despite the IMF’s pushback, it has continued to expand its Bitcoin reserves, now holding over 6,000 BTC, valued at $678 million.