Pakistan has entered a transformative chapter in its economic and technological history by launching its first government-backed Strategic Bitcoin Reserve and allocating 2,000 megawatts (MW) of surplus energy to support Bitcoin mining and AI data centers. This announcement, delivered by Bilal Bin Saqib—CEO of the Pakistan Crypto Council and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister—at the Bitcoin 2025 Conference in Las Vegas, marks Pakistan’s formal entry into the elite group of nations investing in digital sovereign assets.
The reserve will be housed in a national digital wallet, designed not for trading but as a hedge against fiat volatility and a long-term store of value. The initiative comes at a time when Pakistan is embracing blockchain-based innovation to combat inflation, stabilize its currency, and drive tech-based employment.
The presence of U.S. Vice President JD Vance and members of the Trump family at the announcement underscores the rising international attention on Pakistan’s shift toward a crypto-supportive regulatory framework. Bilal Bin Saqib credited U.S. crypto policies for influencing Pakistan’s stance, noting their role in reducing regional tensions and opening diplomatic opportunities.
Home to over 40 million cryptocurrency wallets and a digitally fluent younger generation, Pakistan stands out as one of Asia’s most dynamic and rapidly evolving digital economies. The country’s 2,000 MW energy commitment, derived from underutilized coal plants like those in Sahiwal and Port Qasim, is seen as a strategic repurposing of energy that otherwise goes to waste.
Economists forecast that this move will attract billions in foreign investment, stimulate the local freelance and fintech sectors, and significantly boost GDP contributions from the digital economy. AI data centers are also being deployed, addressing concerns about data sovereignty, cloud infrastructure gaps, and cybersecurity resilience.
Positioned at the crossroads of Asia, the Middle East, and Europe, Pakistan is uniquely placed to emerge as a global hub for cryptocurrency and data infrastructure. Bilal Bin Saqib called the moment “historic,” stating, “We are reshaping Pakistan’s narrative—digitally empowered, strategically aligned, and globally competitive.”
A regulatory framework is in development, focused on transparency, security, and sustainability. As Pakistan evolves into a key stakeholder in the decentralized finance space, its ambitious blend of policy, infrastructure, and innovation could position it as a crypto powerhouse in South Asia.
