Pakistan’s bid to embrace Bitcoin mining as a national strategy has hit a major snag, with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) rejecting a proposal to offer subsidized electricity for the sector.
Despite having excess power during the winter, the IMF remains firmly against targeted energy discounts — particularly those tied to crypto-related activities.
The country had hoped to allocate 2,000 megawatts from its national grid to power both Bitcoin mining and AI data centers. The initiative, led by the Pakistan Crypto Council, aimed to attract foreign investment, boost tech jobs, and establish the country as a digital infrastructure hub. Officials promoted Pakistan’s geographic position as ideal for global data flow between Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.
But mounting regulatory pressure is becoming a reality. The IMF, already wary of Pakistan’s national Bitcoin reserve plans, flagged legal and energy distribution concerns and noted that it hadn’t been consulted before the government went public with its proposal. The World Bank is now reviewing the strategy.
Meanwhile, Pakistan has attempted to strengthen its crypto framework with the launch of the Pakistan Digital Assets Authority earlier this year, echoing the pro-crypto stance of leaders like U.S. President Donald Trump. However, skepticism remains high, especially as lawmakers question recent financial settlements, while officials defend the integrity of ongoing reforms, including anti-overbilling apps for consumers.
Whether Pakistan can push forward with its crypto ambitions will depend on how it navigates international scrutiny and internal economic strains.
Alexander Zdravkov
Reporter at Coindoo
Alexander Zdravkov is passionate about questions of meaning. He is a fluent German speaker as well as He has been in the crypto space for more than three years and has an eye for spotting emerging trends in the world of digital currencies. Whether providing in-depth analysis or reporting on all topics on a daily basis, his deep understanding and enthusiasm for what he does makes him a valuable addition to the team.
Source: https://coindoo.com/pakistans-bitcoin-mining-dreams-derailed-by-imf-objections/