Las Vegas: In a groundbreaking move that marks a historic shift in Pakistan’s approach to digital assets, the country has officially launched its first government-backed strategic Bitcoin reserve. The announcement was made by Bilal Bin Saqib, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister (SAPM) on Crypto and Blockchain, during the prestigious Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas.
Pakistan’s Special Assistant to the PM on Blockchain, Bilal Bin Saqib, announced that the country will officially build a Strategic Bitcoin.
Addressing a high-profile international audience that included U.S. Vice President JD Vance, Eric Trump, and Donald Trump Jr., Saqib revealed that the Government of Pakistan is not only embracing Bitcoin as a strategic digital asset, but also allocating significant national resources to back this initiative. He announced that 2,000 megawatts (MW) of surplus electricity will be used in Phase 1 to support large-scale Bitcoin mining operations and artificial intelligence (AI) data centres.
“The Pakistan of tomorrow is being built today by its youth and led by a new generation of tech statesmen,” said Saqib. “Our vision is bold: to position Pakistan as a global hub for blockchain innovation, digital finance, and AI development.”
This initiative comes as part of a broader shift in economic and technological policy under Pakistan’s current leadership. For years, Pakistan maintained a cautious and often restrictive stance on cryptocurrencies, citing concerns over financial stability, money laundering, and regulatory challenges. However, recent economic pressures and the growing global momentum around blockchain technology have spurred a reconsideration of policy.
Analysts suggest this move could signal a major turning point not only for Pakistan’s digital economy, but also for its energy sector. The country has long struggled with circular debt in its power generation system and has often faced criticism for underutilizing its surplus energy. By diverting idle energy capacity toward productive uses like Bitcoin mining and AI data processing, the government aims to convert a liability into a revenue-generating asset.
“This is a pragmatic and forward-thinking approach,” said Faiza Khan, a Karachi-based fintech analyst. “Pakistan is using what it has—surplus power, a young tech-savvy population, and international attention—to enter a highly competitive digital economy.”
The announcement has already generated international buzz, especially within crypto and tech circles. Pakistan becomes one of the first countries in South Asia to formally establish a state-endorsed Bitcoin reserve, following in the footsteps of nations like El Salvador.
Phase 1 of the initiative is expected to be rolled out in regions with renewable energy potential, such as Balochistan and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, where wind and solar power projects have struggled to find viable demand.
Saqib emphasized that transparency, regulation, and international partnerships will remain central to the strategy. He also hinted at future policy developments, including the creation of a sovereign digital asset framework and potential collaboration with global crypto exchanges.
As Pakistan enters this new chapter, the success of this ambitious undertaking could reshape not only its financial landscape but also its role on the global technological stage.
