ISLAMABAD – The federal government has decided to restructure local governance in Islamabad by creating Three Town Corporations under a new local government system. This move will replace the existing Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) system.
The new model is based on Punjab’s local government structure. Each of the three town corporations will have one mayor and two deputy mayors. The mayors and deputies will be elected indirectly by union council chairmen, not by public voting.
Islamabad will be divided according to its three National Assembly constituencies. Each town corporation is expected to have administrative and financial autonomy. Key powers currently held by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) will gradually be transferred to the town corporations.
Mayors of the Three Town Corporations will oversee municipal finances, development projects, and drainage systems. Their tenure will be four years, aiming to improve service delivery and decentralize governance in the federal capital.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has already issued a revised schedule for local government elections in Islamabad. Union council elections will be held on February 15, 2026. The nomination process began in December 2025, and scrutiny of papers is ongoing until January 6, 2026. Appeals will be heard from January 7 to 10, and decisions announced between January 12 and 15.
The final list of candidates will be published on January 16, with the last date for withdrawals set on January 17. Election symbols will be allotted on January 19.
Officials say the new system of three town corporations will bring governance closer to citizens, improve municipal services, and ensure better financial management in Islamabad. The reforms aim to streamline decision-making and provide more autonomy to local administrations.
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This restructuring marks a significant change in the federal capital’s governance and reflects Pakistan’s broader effort to strengthen local government systems.
