A high-level government committee has presented a comprehensive new administrative and governance framework for Islamabad, aiming to introduce an elected assembly, a chief executive, and management of 27 administrative departments. This development comes amid growing national discussions about the creation of new provinces and administrative units across Pakistan.
The draft proposal has been submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for final approval. The plan outlines the establishment of a 27-member elected assembly for Islamabad, with 21 members chosen through direct elections. The remaining six seats would be reserved, including five for women and one for minority groups, ensuring inclusive representation.
In a significant development, the proposal suggests the election of a chief executive for the federal capital, a role that could be designated as either chief minister or mayor. This chief executive would be accountable to the elected assembly, thereby instituting a system of political oversight and public representation that Islamabad currently lacks.
The envisioned Islamabad government would oversee 27 administrative departments, including key sectors such as health, education, environment, and civic services, which are recommended for transfer to local elected authorities. However, law enforcement and the capital’s master planning would remain under federal jurisdiction, maintaining central control over security and urban development.
Meanwhile, other administrative responsibilities would be delegated to the elected local government. The proposal also calls for restructuring the powers and duties of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and other institutions operating within Islamabad. This aims to consolidate the currently fragmented administrative framework into a more cohesive governance structure.
Implementing this model would require a comprehensive legal framework and new legislation, potentially bringing substantial changes to Islamabad’s existing governance and administrative setup. This initiative is viewed as a potential pilot for similar governance reforms that could be extended to other regions amid the ongoing debate over provincial restructuring in Pakistan.
Notably, several senior officials have contributed to the development of the proposed model, including Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah, and Federal Minister Musadik Malik. Additionally, top government secretaries from interior, cabinet, finance, health, and education departments, along with the Islamabad commissioner and CDA chairman, participated in formulating the administrative framework.
The committee’s recommendations remain tentative, with the prime minister expected to make the final decision on Islamabad’s new governance structure in the near future.
