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Major changes are being planned in the governance system of the federal capital, with a reform report proposing an elected government, a 27-member assembly and a new model of financial and administrative autonomy for Islamabad.
The 138-page report has been submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, while final approval of the proposed reforms will be given by the federal cabinet.
According to sources, a detailed reform report on Islamabad’s governance structure has been submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. The report proposes introducing a modern, effective and digital governance model in the federal capital.
The plan is aimed at transforming Islamabad into a smart city while improving service delivery, administration and public access to government systems.
The report recommends establishing an elected regional government for Islamabad. Under the proposed system, a 27-member assembly would be formed for the Islamabad Capital Territory.
The assembly would elect its head, who could be called either the Chief Minister or Mayor.
Islamabad Capital Territory Government Act proposed
Sources said a decision has been made to bring the Islamabad Capital Territory Government Act for the new governance system. The law would be presented before parliament for approval.
Legal experts will be consulted to determine whether the new system requires a constitutional amendment or can be introduced through simple legislation.
The proposed reforms will require approval from the federal cabinet before moving ahead. After cabinet approval, the legal and parliamentary process for the Islamabad Capital Territory Government Act will be taken forward.
The final structure of the proposed elected government will depend on legal advice and federal-level decisions.
Financial, administrative autonomy
The reform plan includes a model of financial and administrative autonomy for Islamabad’s proposed local government system. According to the proposal, all powers except law and order and the master plan would be transferred to the local government.
A special transition committee would also be formed to manage local taxes, distribution of financial resources and transfer of powers.
Six new institutions recommended
The report recommends creating six institutions for key sectors, including health, education, tourism and e-governance. These institutions would support the new governance model and help improve public services in the federal capital.
The plan also proposes a single digital platform for land, tax, licensing and complaints.
Five-year phased reform plan
The reform agenda has been designed as a five-year phased plan. Sources said the goal of the reforms is to increase tourism and investment in Islamabad.
The plan also aims to modernize administration and make public services more transparent, efficient and technology-driven.
The proposed reform agenda will be aligned with the 'Uraan Pakistan' and Digital Pakistan policies. Officials believe the reforms could help Islamabad become a more modern, investment-friendly and digitally connected capital.
If approved, the new governance model would mark one of the most significant administrative changes in Islamabad’s history.
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