Islamabad could get its own assembly, chief executive and greater administrative and financial autonomy under a proposed governance framework submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The draft recommends a provincial-style system for the federal capital while keeping law and order and master planning under federal control.
The proposal comes as the government considers options for creating new provinces and administrative units across Pakistan.
Proposed Islamabad Assembly to Have 27 Members
The draft governance framework recommends a 27-member Islamabad Assembly, with 21 seats filled through direct elections.
Under the proposed seat distribution, each of Islamabad’s National Assembly constituencies would elect seven assembly members. The remaining six seats would include five reserved seats for women and one for minorities.
If approved, the proposed assembly would handle many responsibilities currently managed through federal institutions and local government bodies.
The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) would be responsible for conducting elections to the Islamabad Assembly.
Islamabad Could Get Its Own Chief Minister or Mayor
The proposed framework also envisions a separate executive structure for Islamabad.
The head of the capital’s government could be designated either as a chief minister or mayor, according to the proposal. A chief secretary would oversee the administration, supported by four secretaries responsible for different groups of government departments.
This would give Islamabad a governance structure closer to that of a province while retaining certain federal responsibilities.
27 Departments Proposed Under Islamabad Government
Under the draft framework, the proposed Islamabad government would control 27 administrative departments.
These departments could cover areas such as:
- Health
- Education
- Environmental protection
- Civic services
- Local administration
- Other municipal and public service functions
The proposed transfer of responsibilities would significantly expand Islamabad’s administrative role compared with the current system.
Law and Order Would Remain With Federal Government
Despite the proposed autonomy, not all functions would be transferred to an Islamabad government.
Law and order and master planning would remain under federal control through a federal ministry or governor, according to the draft.
Federal institutions with nationwide responsibilities would also continue operating in Islamabad.
This means the proposed framework would create a hybrid governance structure, giving the capital greater local authority while retaining federal oversight over key national functions.
CDA Powers Could Be Transferred
Another major element of the proposal involves the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and other bodies operating under local government laws.
The draft recommends transferring their powers and functions to the proposed Islamabad government.
If implemented, the change could place more responsibility for urban management, civic services and development decisions under the elected capital administration.
The exact division of responsibilities between the Islamabad government, federal authorities and existing institutions would depend on the final framework and any legislation required to implement it.
What Islamabad’s New Governance Model Could Mean
If the proposal is approved, Islamabad would gain a political and administrative structure that resembles a provincial government without becoming a province in the conventional sense.
An elected assembly could give residents a greater role in decisions involving education, healthcare, civic services and local development. Greater financial authority could also allow the capital government to manage its resources more directly.
At the same time, continued federal control over law enforcement and master planning would preserve the central government’s role in matters considered strategically important to the capital.
Proposal Still Requires Government Approval
The framework submitted to the prime minister is a proposal, not a final decision.
Any major change to Islamabad’s governance structure would require the necessary legal, constitutional and administrative steps before it could take effect.
For now, the proposal provides a potential model for giving Islamabad greater autonomy while maintaining federal oversight over national institutions and selected strategic functions.
