ISLAMABAD: The federal capital could see a major change in its administrative system under a new governance proposal.
A high-level committee has reportedly suggested a provincial-style setup for Islamabad. The proposal includes an elected assembly, a powerful chief executive and greater local authority.
The recommendations have reportedly been submitted to the prime minister. They come as Pakistan continues discussions about creating new provinces and administrative units.
The proposed system could make Islamabad an important test case for a new model of governance.
Proposed 27-Member Islamabad Assembly
A key part of the proposal is the creation of a 27-member Islamabad Assembly.
Under the draft plan, 21 members would be elected directly by voters. Five seats would be reserved for women.
One additional seat would be reserved for minorities. The proposed seat structure is linked to Islamabad’s existing National Assembly constituencies.
Each National Assembly constituency could have seven Islamabad Assembly seats. This would create a locally elected political structure for the capital.
The proposal also considers two options for leading the new administration. The chief executive could either be called a Chief Minister or a Mayor.
Either arrangement would give the local government greater authority over civic and administrative matters.
Major Departments Could Shift to Local Government
The proposed Islamabad government could receive control of up to 27 administrative departments.
Health and education are among the areas that could come under the local administration. Environmental affairs and municipal services could also be transferred.
This would significantly expand the responsibilities of the capital’s elected authorities.
However, the federal government would continue controlling several sensitive areas. Law and order and policing-related matters would remain under federal control.
Master planning would also stay with the federal government. These functions could be managed through a federal ministry or a governor-based arrangement.
The proposed system would therefore create a hybrid governance structure. Local authorities would manage civic affairs while the federation retained strategic responsibilities.
CDA Powers Could Be Transferred
Another major part of the proposal concerns the Capital Development Authority (CDA).
The draft reportedly recommends transferring the CDA’s powers and responsibilities to the local government.
Other institutions operating under the Local Government Act could also be placed under the new administration.
If implemented, the move could change how development projects are managed in Islamabad. It could also shift control over municipal services and other daily administrative matters.
The proposed local government would reportedly have authority to establish its own rules of business.
New Bureaucratic Structure Proposed
The plan also includes a new administrative structure to support the proposed political system.
A Chief Secretary has reportedly been proposed for Islamabad. Four secretaries would also oversee different administrative groups and departments.
This structure would give the capital a bureaucracy resembling a provincial government.
The proposed system goes beyond the traditional role of a municipal administration. It would provide greater political, administrative and financial authority.
Elections for the proposed assembly would be conducted by the Election Commission of Pakistan.
Once established, the new Islamabad government would reportedly receive provincial-style administrative and financial autonomy.
The proposal could therefore mark a significant shift in how the federal capital is governed. However, its implementation would depend on government decisions and the legal process ahead.
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For now, the recommendations remain a proposal. Further decisions will determine whether the new governance model becomes a reality.
