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Major Governance Overhaul Proposed for Federal Capital
A high-level government committee has proposed a sweeping governance overhaul for Islamabad, recommending the establishment of an elected assembly and chief executive for the federal capital . The draft proposal, submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for final consideration, would create a 27-member elected assembly with 21 directly elected members, five reserved seats for women, and one for minorities.
The proposed model envisages an elected chief executive—designated as either a chief minister or mayor—who would be accountable to the assembly . This would introduce a system of public representation and political oversight that does not currently exist in Islamabad.
Administrative Responsibilities and Federal Oversight
The proposed Islamabad government would oversee 27 administrative departments, with health, education, environment, and civic services transferred to the local elected administration . However, law and order and the capital’s master planning would remain under the federal government .
The committee also recommended restructuring the powers and responsibilities of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and other federal institutions, aiming to bring the currently fragmented administrative structure under a more integrated governance framework .
Broader Governance Debate
The proposal comes amid a broader national debate over the creation of new provinces and administrative units . Islamabad could become the first major test case for a new governance structure before similar models are considered elsewhere .
The committee included Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, PM’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah, and Federal Minister Musadik Malik, along with senior government officials. The recommendations are not yet final, and the prime minister will take the final decision on the proposed model.
