Islamabad, May 31 -- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed serious concerns over Pakistan's decision to allocate electricity to Bitcoin mining operations and Artificial Intelligence (AI) data centers without prior consultation. The move has triggered questions about transparency and compliance with the conditions of the ongoing IMF loan program.

Sources say the IMF was not informed in advance about these developments and has formally asked the government to clarify its position. The Fund raised objections to the use of public electricity for crypto-related ventures, particularly when cryptocurrency remains unregulated and unofficial in Pakistan. It also questioned whether such energy allocations are feasible amid Pakistan's...