Proposal for Islamabad’s Own Government Gains Momentum
A sub-committee on administrative reforms has put forward a historic proposal to establish a representative government for Islamabad, modeled after New Delhi’s governance structure.
In its interim report, the committee, led by Barrister Zafarullah, recommended granting democratic control to Islamabad through an elected assembly, reducing the federal government’s direct oversight over local affairs.
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Key Proposals of the ICT Government Plan
- Elected Assembly for Islamabad – A legislative body would be formed to oversee governance.
- Mayor-Led Administration – The assembly would elect a mayor, responsible for managing ICT’s affairs.
- Restructuring Government Departments – Various scattered agencies would be consolidated into four key sectors:
- Social
- Economic
- Development
- General Administration
- Federal Oversight on Key Areas – Sensitive sectors like home affairs, police, and master planning would remain under federal control.
- Capital Development Authority (CDA) Integration – The CDA and other institutions would be brought under the new ICT administration.
- Replacement of Chief Commissioner – A Chief Secretary would take over administrative duties.
Legal Framework & Implementation Timeline
To formalize these changes, the government is set to introduce the Islamabad Capital Territory Act 2025. Meanwhile, an executive order under Article 258—similar to the GB Order 2018—could be issued to ensure a smooth transition. The legal framework is expected to be finalized within a month.
What This Means for Islamabad
This landmark reform could provide Islamabad with a structured and efficient governance model, bringing greater autonomy and accountability to the capital. The move reflects the government’s commitment to administrative modernization, ensuring better public services and streamlined governance for the residents of ICT.
