IMF Pushes Back as Pakistan Bets Big on Bitcoin Mining

Pakistan’s aggressive embrace of Bitcoin mining has drawn scrutiny from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), which is now demanding clarity on the country’s allocation of 2,000 megawatts of electricity to digital assets and AI infrastructure.

The plan, pitched as a leap into the future, aims to lure crypto miners and tech firms into the country. But the IMF, currently negotiating financial support with Islamabad, is alarmed by the lack of consultation and the potential strain on Pakistan’s already fragile energy system. Officials say the Fund is questioning both the legality of crypto mining and the impact this diversion of electricity could have on tariffs and overall resource distribution.

As negotiations with the IMF continue, a special session is reportedly being arranged to examine the power policy’s implications. Tensions are rising within Pakistan’s economic team, with insiders warning that the move could complicate ongoing talks.

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Meanwhile, the government is pressing forward with its digital agenda. A new authority—the Pakistan Digital Asset Authority (PDAA)—has been formed to regulate crypto platforms, tokenized assets, and DeFi protocols under international compliance frameworks. The plan also includes the launch of a national Bitcoin wallet and the creation of a sovereign crypto reserve, unveiled at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas.

Behind this shift is a broader initiative, spearheaded by the National Crypto Council, to develop a comprehensive regulatory framework and turn Pakistan into a regional hub for digital finance. Former Binance CEO Changpeng Zhao has even been tapped as an adviser.

But as optimism grows among crypto advocates, the IMF’s concerns may test just how far Pakistan can go without compromising its financial rescue ambitions.

Alexander Stefanov

With over 8 years of experience in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry, Alexander is a seasoned content creator and market analyst dedicated to making digital assets more accessible and understandable. He specializes in breaking down complex crypto trends, analyzing market movements, and producing insightful content aimed at educating both newcomers and seasoned investors. Alexander has built a reputation for delivering timely and accurate analysis, while keeping a close eye on regulatory developments, emerging technologies, and macroeconomic trends that shape the future of digital finance. His work is rooted in a passion for innovation and a firm belief that widespread education is key to accelerating global crypto adoption.