Islamabad, the capital city of Pakistan, is likely to get its own assembly as the federal government has prepared a wide-ranging reform plan aimed at reshaping the governance structure of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT).
The proposals include the creation of an elected territorial government and a transition toward an integrated smart city model.
The reform blueprint, outlined in a 138-page report prepared by a high-level committee led by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, has been submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for consideration, according to Geo News.
According to the report, Islamabad has evolved from a planned administrative capital into a major urban center with a population exceeding 2.4 million, while its institutional framework has not kept pace with this growth.
The proposed reforms seek to address governance challenges, improve public service delivery, and strengthen long-term urban planning.
A key recommendation is the establishment of an Islamabad Capital Territory Government (ICTG) with administrative and financial autonomy comparable to that enjoyed by provincial governments, while preserving Islamabad’s federal status.
Under the proposal, a 27-member ICT Assembly would be formed, consisting of 21 directly elected members, five seats reserved for women, and one seat reserved for minorities.
The assembly would elect its head, who could be designated either as chief minister or mayor, subject to a decision by the federal government.
The proposed ICT government would be granted authority over most administrative functions, while responsibility for law and order and master planning would remain with the federal government due to the capital’s special status.
The plan also calls for the transfer of several administrative responsibilities from federal ministries and agencies, including the Capital Development Authority (CDA), to the new ICT government in an effort to eliminate overlapping functions and improve coordination.
As part of the reform package, the report recommends the introduction of a comprehensive Islamabad Capital Territory Government Act that would consolidate existing municipal and development laws into a unified legal framework.
Several committees have been proposed to oversee implementation. These include a legislative committee to draft the required laws, a finance committee to determine resource allocation and the use of local taxes, and a transition committee to supervise the phased transfer of powers and ensure administrative continuity.
The report states that the reforms are not expected to create a significant additional financial burden, as the focus is primarily on restructuring and integrating existing institutions rather than establishing entirely new ones.
Another major component of the proposal is the development of an Islamabad Smart City model aimed at creating a modern, environmentally sustainable and citizen-focused capital. The vision is built around promoting Islamabad as a nature-oriented capital, strengthening cultural and heritage assets, and fostering an inclusive city that encourages public participation and global connectivity.
The report also highlights the potential of a “Destination Islamabad” strategy to boost tourism, generate employment opportunities, attract private investment and increase local revenue.
