Pakistan Crypto Council suggests utilizing surplus energy for Bitcoin mining
The CEO of Pakistan’s Crypto Council, Bilal Bin Saqib, has suggested using the country’s excess energy to power Bitcoin (BTC) mining at the Crypto Council’s inaugural meeting on March 21.
As reported in an article from The Nation, the council is working on developing comprehensive regulatory frameworks for cryptocurrencies to attract foreign direct investment and position Pakistan as a hub for crypto.
The meeting was attended by lawmakers, the governor of the Bank of Pakistan, the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), and the federal information technology secretary. Senator Muhammad Aurangzeb expressed his views on the meeting, stating:
“This marks the beginning of a new digital era for our economy. We are dedicated to creating a transparent, forward-looking financial system that encourages investments, supports our youth, and establishes Pakistan as a global leader in emerging technologies.”
The formation of the Crypto Council signifies a significant shift from the previous anti-crypto stance of the Pakistani government. In May 2023, the former minister of state for finance and revenue, Aisha Ghaus Pasha, had declared that cryptocurrencies would never be legalized in the country, citing anti-money laundering restrictions outlined by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) as the main reason behind the government’s stance.
The presence of Bitcoin miners can contribute to the stabilization of electrical grids. Source: Science Direct
Related: Pakistan aims to establish a legal framework for crypto to enhance foreign investment
Pakistan follows the United States in embracing crypto
The Pakistani government took steps to regulate cryptocurrencies as legal tender on Nov. 4, 2024 – coinciding with the US elections.
Following Donald Trump’s re-election in the US and his inauguration on Jan. 20, he swiftly implemented pro-crypto policies at the federal level.
On Jan. 23, President Trump signed an executive order to establish the Working Group on Digital Assets, a council tasked with analyzing comprehensive regulatory reform for digital assets.
President Trump signs executive order establishing the President’s Working Group on Digital Assets. Source: The White House
The Jan. 23 order also prohibited the government from researching, developing, or issuing a central bank digital currency (CBDC).
In March 2025, President Trump signed another executive order to establish a Bitcoin strategic reserve along with a digital asset stockpile that is expected to include cryptocurrencies developed by US-based companies.
Magazine: Overview of changes in crypto laws around the world in 2025
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