Michaela
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has raised serious concerns following the recent decision by Pakistan to allocate 2,000 megawatts of electricity for use by Bitcoin mining and artificial intelligence (AI) data centers.
According to a report from local news outlet Samaa, the IMF’s concerns follow Pakistan’s announcement of its first strategic Bitcoin reserve. The initiative—unveiled by Bilal Bin Saqib, CEO of Pakistan’s Crypto Council, during the 2025 Bitcoin Conference—also includes plans for a national Bitcoin wallet and a substantial allocation of energy resources to support the country’s growing digital asset ecosystem.
Saqib stated that the initiative is expected to attract interest from independent cryptocurrency miners, technology firms, and blockchain companies seeking to invest in Pakistan.
However, Saqib’s announcement has reportedly drawn scrutiny from the IMF, which requested urgent clarification from Pakistan’s Finance Ministry regarding the legal status of the initiative and the planned electricity allocations. The inquiry comes amid concerns over Pakistan’s ongoing energy shortages and broader fiscal challenges.
Insiders from Pakistan’s Finance Ministry disclosed that the IMF was not briefed prior to the announcement, prompting the organization to raise concerns about the legal framework governing cryptocurrencies in the country. Pakistan has yet to introduce a formal regulatory framework for digital assets, and officials have not addressed the IMF’s concerns over electricity tariffs or the allocation of energy resources.
“There is a fear of further tough talks from the IMF on this initiative,” an official involved in the negotiations stated. “The economic team is already facing stiff questions, and this move has only added to the complexities of the ongoing talks,” they added.
The IMF delegation, currently conducting virtual discussions with Pakistani authorities, is scheduled to hold a dedicated session to review the government’s proposal to allocate electricity for Bitcoin mining and AI data centers.
As this situation unfolds, all eyes will remain on Pakistan’s ability to balance innovation in emerging technologies with its pressing economic and energy challenges. The outcomes of these discussions could set important precedents for how developing nations approach cryptocurrency regulation and infrastructure development moving forward.
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Michaela has no crypto positions and does not hold any crypto assets. This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The Shib Magazine and The Shib Daily are the official media and publications of the Shiba Inu cryptocurrency project. Readers are encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial adviser before making any investment decisions.
