Pakistan has so far failed to secure the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) approval for a proposal to provide electricity to Bitcoin mining operations at concessional rates, according to Ministry of Energy sources.
The issue remains unresolved as Pakistan prepares for talks with the IMF, with the government expected to raise the proposal again during discussions with the lender.
Under the proposal, Pakistan is seeking lower electricity rates for Bitcoin mining as part of its broader plans to develop the digital asset and data center sectors.
However, government sources said no agreement has yet been reached with the IMF on the proposed electricity rates.
The matter comes as Pakistan continues reforms in the power sector aimed at maintaining cost recovery and shifting toward more targeted electricity subsidies.
Pakistan and the IMF are scheduled to begin talks on September 22 for the fourth review of the country’s $7 billion Extended Fund Facility programme.
The government is expected to discuss the Bitcoin mining electricity proposal again during the upcoming talks as it seeks to develop digital asset-related infrastructure while addressing the IMF’s concerns over electricity pricing and subsidies.
