Proposal for elected Islamabad government moves forward as governance reforms discussed

ISLAMABAD: The federal government is considering a proposal to introduce an elected government structure in Islamabad, a move that could give the capital its own assembly, elected representatives, and a chief executive responsible for local governance.

The proposal aims to strengthen administrative autonomy in the federal capital and reduce the need for parliamentary approval on routine local matters. Officials say the changes could reshape how Islamabad is governed while keeping key federal functions under central government control.

Speaking to a private television channel, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said that even minor legislation related to Islamabad currently requires approval from both the National Assembly and the Senate, making the governance process more complex than in the provinces.

Proposed assembly and leadership structure

According to the minister, the proposed governance model would establish a dedicated Islamabad assembly consisting of approximately 20 to 22 seats. Members of the assembly would elect a chief executive through a majority vote.

He said the arrangement would bring Islamabad closer to the governance structure already in place in Pakistan’s provinces, where local legislative bodies have authority over a range of administrative matters.

Possible transfer of administrative powers

Under the proposal, certain powers currently exercised by the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) administration and the Capital Development Authority (CDA) could be transferred gradually to the new elected leadership.

Officials indicated that the reforms could be introduced through an executive order or a constitutional amendment, depending on the final framework adopted by the government.

Federal control over key assets to remain

Tariq Fazal Chaudhry said strategic state assets, government land, and major federal responsibilities would remain under the control of the federal government.

He added that revenue generated from Islamabad is currently deposited into federal accounts and suggested that a greater share of those funds could be utilized for local infrastructure projects and development initiatives, particularly in rural areas of the capital territory.

The proposal remains under discussion, and no formal timeline has been announced for its implementation.

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