ISLAMABAD – Islamabad could be heading for major governance shake-up, with proposed new administrative model putting an elected assembly and CM or mayor at the heart of the capital’s future setup. The plan could also shift major powers from the CDA to the local government.
A major administrative overhaul could be on the cards for the federal capital as a proposed new governance model for Islamabad has reached Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, potentially transforming how the capital is run and giving residents their own elected government. The proposed framework envisions Islamabad being placed under an empowered local government, with citizens electing their own assembly and chief executive to oversee most administrative affairs.
27-Member Assembly
At the centre of the proposed model is a 27-member Islamabad Assembly, with 21 members to be elected directly by voters. The draft recommends five reserved seats for women and one for minorities, while proposing that each of Islamabad’s National Assembly constituencies contribute seven seats to the new assembly.
The plan could fundamentally reshape political representation in the capital by introducing an elected legislative body responsible for local governance.
The proposed model calls for an elected chief executive, who could hold the title of chief minister or mayor. The chief executive would remain accountable to the Islamabad Assembly, while most administrative functions would shift to the elected government.
Under the proposed structure, 27 administrative departments would operate under the Islamabad government, covering critical sectors including health, education, environment and municipal services.
One of key proposals is to grant Islamabad administrative and financial autonomy on provincial lines. The local government would also have the authority to formulate its own rules of business, giving the capital greater control over the way its administration operates.
A chief secretary and four secretaries would oversee the administrative machinery, with the four secretaries assigned responsibility for different administrative groups and departments.
CDA Powers Could Be Transferred
The proposed model could also trigger a major restructuring of the Capital Development Authority (CDA). The draft recommends transferring all CDA powers and functions to Islamabad’s local government. Other institutions operating under the Local Government Act would also be brought under the elected administration.
Despite the proposed transfer of extensive powers, the federal government would retain control over law and order and Islamabad’s master planning. The draft suggests that these matters could continue to be handled through a federal ministry or governor.
At the same time, federal institutions serving the entire country would continue operating in Islamabad under the proposed system.
Election Commission to Conduct Assembly Polls
Under the draft, elections for the proposed Islamabad Assembly would be conducted by the Election Commission. However, bringing the new model into force would require a comprehensive legal framework and fresh legislation for Islamabad.
The proposed administrative roadmap was presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif by a high-level special committee headed by Federal Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi was also part of the committee, while Rana Sanaullah and Federal Minister Musadik Malik contributed to the preparation of the proposed model.
The final decision now rests with Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. If approved and implemented, the proposal could bring a major transformation to Islamabad’s governance structure, changing the distribution of administrative powers, strengthening elected local representation and reshaping the role of institutions such as the CDA.
The proposal comes as the government debates the creation of new provinces and administrative units across Pakistan, making Islamabad’s proposed governance model a potentially important test of a new approach to administrative decentralisation.news outlets.
