Pakistan Eyes Bitcoin Mining with Surplus Electricity; Binance Founder CZ Advised Crypto Council

Pakistan is considering utilizing its surplus electricity for Bitcoin mining and AI data centers, according to recent reports. Bilal Bin Saqib, advisor to Pakistan's finance minister, has confirmed discussions with mining firms, with site selection based on excess power availability. This initiative aligns with Pakistan's broader strategy to embrace blockchain technology, evidenced by the launch of the Pakistan Crypto Council. Binance founder Changpeng Zhao has been appointed as a strategic advisor to the council to support blockchain infrastructure, advise on regulatory frameworks, and assist with national crypto initiatives. Pakistan aims to become a leader in blockchain-powered finance, driven partly by shifting global sentiment and the potential to leverage its energy resources. The country generates about 10GW of surplus electricity, much of which is wasted due to underutilization, and wants to use this unused power for Bitcoin mining.