Islamabad, the capital of Pakistan, may soon have its own elected government, much like New Delhi. A sub-committee on administrative reforms has suggested creating a structured governance system for the city, allowing it to function more independently while still being overseen by the federal government.
The proposal, led by Barrister Zafarullah, recommends forming a democratic government in Islamabad. This means certain powers would be transferred from the federal government to a new Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration. The idea is to create a governance model similar to that of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), where a structured system allows for more local control while keeping key matters under federal jurisdiction.
How Would the ICT Government Work?
If this plan moves forward, Islamabad will have an elected assembly. The members of this assembly will elect a mayor, who will be responsible for overseeing the ICT government. However, important areas like police, home affairs, and city planning will still be managed by the federal government.
To ensure smooth operations, departments under the ICT government will be divided into four main categories:
- Social Affairs
- Economic Matters
- Development Projects
- General Administration
The mayor will manage everything except the areas that remain under federal control. Additionally, institutions like the Capital Development Authority (CDA) will report directly to the ICT administration instead of the federal government. Instead of having a chief commissioner, the new system will introduce a chief secretary to manage Islamabad’s affairs.
Legal Framework for the Change
To implement this governance shift, a new Islamabad Capital Territory Act 2025 will be introduced. However, while this law is being developed, an executive order under Article 258 of the Constitution may be issued. This would allow an interim system, much like the GB Order 2018, to be put in place until the formal legislation is passed.
The legal framework for this major change is expected to be finalized within a month. If approved, this will be a historic shift for Islamabad, giving its residents a more direct say in how their city is governed.
Read Also: Nishat Hotels to Take Over Hotel Margala in Islamabad!
