Catenaa, Friday, June 05, 2025-The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is pressing Pakistan for urgent clarification over its plan to allocate 2,000 megawatts of power to Bitcoin mining and AI data centers, raising red flags over legality and potential energy strain as financial talks continue between the two sides.
The initiative, unveiled last week, forms a central pillar of Pakistan’s emerging digital asset strategy aimed at attracting blockchain and AI investment.
However, the IMF warned it could exacerbate existing power shortages and undermine current economic stabilization efforts.
According to local media outlet Samaa, IMF officials were not consulted before the announcement and have requested explanations from Pakistan’s Finance Ministry.
The fund reportedly fears the move could increase tariffs and complicate power distribution, especially amid inflation and widespread energy shortfalls.
An IMF delegation currently holding virtual talks with Pakistani officials is expected to address the issue in a dedicated session in the coming days.
Sources close to the talks said the economic team is already under pressure, and the mining announcement has further complicated negotiations.
Despite the IMF’s pushback, Pakistan is moving ahead. Last week, the Finance Ministry approved the Pakistan Digital Asset Authority (PDAA) to regulate exchanges, DeFi platforms, and asset tokenization, aligning with global FATF standards.
At the Bitcoin Vegas 2025 conference, Pakistan also revealed its first strategic Bitcoin reserve and a national crypto wallet.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has elevated crypto adviser Bilal bin Saqib to ministerial rank to steer blockchain initiatives, including FATF-compliant mining and digital governance reforms.
