In a bold move that underscores its commitment to the burgeoning cryptocurrency sector, Pakistan has announced plans to establish a strategic Bitcoin reserve and earmark 2,000 megawatts of energy for crypto mining. This revelation was made by Bilal Bin Saqib, Minister of State for Blockchain and Crypto, at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas on Wednesday, marking a significant step in Pakistan’s digital future.
Pakistan’s Crypto Ambitions
The strategic reserve, according to Bin Saqib, draws inspiration from the United States, where a similar initiative is underway under the administration of President Donald Trump. The U.S. reserve aims to leverage the government’s holdings from criminal and civil forfeitures, amounting to an estimated 200,000 bitcoins. Pakistan seems to be following suit with its own ambitious plans, which also include watching the U.S. push for stablecoin legislation, notably the GENIUS Act. This follows a pattern of institutional adoption, which we detailed in Metaplanet Registers U.S. Treasury Arm to Grow Its Bitcoin Reserve Strategy.
Intriguingly, Bin Saqib emphasized that the Pakistani government intends to hold onto its bitcoins indefinitely. “This wallet, the national bitcoin wallet, is not for speculation or hype. We will be holding these bitcoins and we will never, ever sell them,” he stated. This declaration positions Pakistan alongside countries cautiously optimistic about the potential of Bitcoin as a strategic asset, rather than a speculative investment.
Mining Potential and Economic Implications
In addition to the reserve, Pakistan’s allocation of 2,000 megawatts of energy for Bitcoin mining is a clear invitation to miners and infrastructure providers worldwide. “We want to welcome all miners to come to Pakistan, all the infrastructure players to come to Pakistan and build with us,” Bin Saqib announced, signaling Pakistan’s readiness to become a hub for crypto mining—a crucial step considering the country’s economic landscape.
With over 100 million unbanked citizens, Pakistan stands at a crossroads. The potential to leverage blockchain technology to provide financial tools for savings and investments could indeed be transformative. Bin Saqib painted a vision of economic empowerment, stating, “We want them to break their economic classes. And I really believe that crypto and blockchain can help us take that quantum leap.”
Historical Context and Global Trends
While Pakistan’s foray into Bitcoin reserves and mining is significant, it’s also part of a broader global trend where nations are re-evaluating their stance on digital currencies. Countries like El Salvador have already made Bitcoin legal tender, while others explore similar avenues. Yet, the path is not without its hurdles. The volatility of cryptocurrencies, regulatory challenges, and infrastructure needs pose questions about long-term sustainability.
The move also comes amid a backdrop of increasing regulatory scrutiny worldwide. As crypto markets mature, countries are grappling with how to balance innovation with consumer protection—a tightrope that Pakistan will have to navigate astutely. For a deeper dive into these strategies, see Metaplanet to open US arm, plans to raise $250M for Bitcoin strategy.
The Road Ahead
Looking ahead, Pakistan’s ambitious plans could potentially reshape its financial landscape, providing a model for other developing economies. However, the success of these initiatives hinges on several factors: regulatory frameworks, technological infrastructure, and international collaboration.
As Pakistan seeks to tokenize its illiquid assets and explore digital identities, the need for allies and access will be critical. “Pakistan is looking for allies. Pakistan is looking for access, because Pakistan wants to build,” Bin Saqib aptly summarized. The coming months will reveal how these plans unfold and whether Pakistan can truly harness the power of blockchain technology to impact its socio-economic fabric.
The future of Pakistan’s crypto journey remains uncertain, yet undeniably promising—raising questions about how this strategic shift might influence not only its economy but also its geopolitical standing in the digital age.
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This article is based on: Pakistan to Establish a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve, Allocate 2000 Megawatts of Energy for Crypto Mining
Further Reading
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Steve Gregory is a lawyer in the United States who specializes in licensing for cryptocurrency companies and products. Steve began his career as an attorney in 2015 but made the switch to working in cryptocurrency full time shortly after joining the original team at Gemini Trust Company, an early cryptocurrency exchange based in New York City. Steve then joined CEX.io and was able to launch their regulated US-based cryptocurrency. Steve then went on to become the CEO at currency.com when he ran for four years and was able to lead currency.com to being fully acquired in 2025.
