- Pakistan allocated 2,000MW to support national Bitcoin mining and AI data centers.
- Pakistan unveils sovereign Bitcoin wallet to hold long-term, non-tradable BTC reserves.
- Pakistan formed the Digital Assets Authority to regulate blockchain and crypto finance.
At the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas on May 28, Bilal Bin Saqib, head of Pakistan’s National Crypto Council, declared that the country has established a Bitcoin reserve. By making this decision, the government is shifting its previous stance, where officials had rejected cryptocurrency as a legal option.
Speaking at the event, Saqib revealed the establishment of Pakistan’s first sovereign Bitcoin wallet. He clarified that the assets would not be used for speculation or trading. “We will be holding these bitcoins and we will never, ever sell them,” he stated during the keynote address.
This strategic reserve mirrors the United States’ recent initiative under the Trump administration. In March, Trump proposed the U.S. “Digital Fort Knox” plan, which would utilize seized assets to establish a government-controlled Bitcoin treasury. Saqib confirmed Pakistan is closely observing U.S. developments, including ongoing stablecoin legislation such as the GENIUS Act.
Mining Incentives and Infrastructure Development Plans
In addition to the Bitcoin reserve, Pakistan approved the allocation of 2,000 megawatts of surplus electricity for Bitcoin mining and AI data centers. This energy will support a new infrastructure push designed to attract miners, blockchain firms, and digital asset platforms from across the globe.
Saqib pointed out that Pakistan could become a leading destination for cryptocurrency services. He pointed out that the government aims to collaborate with global energy and technology companies to improve its blockchain infrastructure. Formed in February 2025, the National Crypto Council is at the forefront of driving adoption. Its goals include shaping crypto policies, drawing in foreign investment, and expanding access to blockchain-powered tools.
The creation of the Pakistan Digital Assets Authority (PDAA) followed this policy momentum. The PDAA will regulate digital finance, blockchain infrastructure, and tokenized assets in accordance with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) ‘s compliance standards. A policy framework on crypto, released earlier in May, sets out additional rules for digital finance and anti-money laundering.
Growing Government Bitcoin Holdings Worldwide
Pakistan has joined an increasing number of countries holding Bitcoin in their treasuries. According to Coingecko research as of April 2025, over 463,000 BTC were held in the reserves of various countries. The U.S. currently holds about 198,000 BTC, with China at a close second with 194,000 BTC. Both El Salvador and Bhutan have increased their investments, though Germany sold its shares in the middle of 2024.
The majority of governments obtain Bitcoin through seizure, donations, or mining. On the other hand, El Salvador is the only country that regularly purchases Bitcoin, whereas Bhutan mines using hydroelectric power. Furthermore, Ukraine has received cryptocurrency to support its military while countries like the U.K. and Germany sold holdings to address financial obligations.
Related: VeChain’s Johnny Garcia Explains Why Texas Could Adopt a Bitcoin Reserve
Pakistan’s policies mainly focus on holding onto its assets. According to Saqib, the assets held by the reserve wallet are meant to be preserved for future use as sovereign assets. He also mentioned that Pakistan has a large unbanked population, indicating that crypto and blockchain could expand financial access for millions.
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