The federal government has prepared a detailed reform plan for the governance of Islamabad. The proposal aims to reshape administrative structure and improve public services. It also focuses on long-term urban development and digital transformation.
The plan suggests creating an elected local government system for Islamabad. It also recommends transferring several administrative powers from federal institutions. The goal is to make governance more efficient and responsive.
A high-level committee prepared the report. It was led by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal. The document has already been submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for review.
According to the proposal, Islamabad will have a new governing body called the Islamabad Capital Territory Government. This body will have financial and administrative autonomy similar to a provincial setup. However, the federal status of the capital will remain unchanged.
The plan also proposes a 27-member assembly for Islamabad. It will include 21 directly elected members. It will also have reserved seats for women and minorities. The assembly will elect its own head. The title may be chief minister or mayor.
Under the reforms, most administrative functions will shift to the new ICT government. However, law and order and master planning will remain under federal control. This is due to Islamabad’s role as the national capital.
The proposal includes restructuring existing institutions. The Capital Development Authority will have many of its responsibilities transferred. This is intended to reduce duplication and improve efficiency in Islamabad.
A major feature of the plan is the Islamabad Smart City Model. It aims to turn Islamabad into a modern and environmentally friendly city. The model focuses on eco-tourism, heritage protection, and urban sustainability.
The reform package also proposes six specialized service bodies. These will cover health, education, environment, tourism, social welfare, and digital governance. Each body will be led by professional management and follow performance-based systems.
The plan further includes a unified digital governance platform for Islamabad. It will handle land records, taxation, licensing, identity verification, and citizen complaints. This system is designed to improve transparency and reduce delays.
Implementation is planned in phases over five years. The first stage includes legal reforms and institutional restructuring. Later stages focus on digital integration and performance monitoring.
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If approved, the plan could significantly change how Islamabad is governed. It aims to transform the capital into a more modern, efficient, and citizen-focused city.
