In a significant development for Pakistan’s digital finance ambitions, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has rejected the country's proposal to offer subsidised electricity for Bitcoin mining. The IMF voiced strong concerns, warning that such a move could strain Pakistan’s already fragile energy sector.

Despite the IMF’s resistance, Pakistan remains committed to integrating Bitcoin into its national financial strategy. The government has laid out a bold plan to establish a national Bitcoin reserve — a groundbreaking initiative aimed at expanding financial inclusion for the country’s unbanked population, which stands at over 100 million people.

To support this strategy, Pakistan has earmarked 2,000 megawatts of electricity specifically for bitcoin mining operations. The plan includes repurposing decommissioned coal power plants into digital mining centers, reflecting a dual-purpose push for economic innovation and infrastructure reuse.