New Elected Governance Model Proposed for Islamabad

ISLAMABAD: (Special Reporter) – A new governance framework is being considered for the federal capital, with a high-level special committee proposing an elected assembly and chief executive for Islamabad.

The committee has submitted its draft governance model to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who will make the final decision on the recommendations.

Under the proposal, Islamabad would have a 27-member elected assembly. Of these, 21 members would be chosen directly by voters, while five seats would be reserved for women and one for a minority representative.

The plan also calls for an elected chief executive to oversee the capital’s administration. Officials are considering whether the position should be designated as chief minister or mayor. The chief executive would remain accountable to the elected assembly.

The proposed system includes 27 administrative departments under the Islamabad government. Key areas such as health, education, environmental affairs and civic services could be transferred to the elected local administration.

However, the federal government would retain control over law and order and Islamabad’s master planning under the proposed arrangement. Other administrative responsibilities would gradually be placed under the elected Islamabad government.

The committee has also recommended restructuring the powers of institutions including the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to address the existing division of responsibilities and create a more integrated administrative system.

A comprehensive legal framework has also been proposed, including new legislation to establish and regulate the new governance structure.

The special committee included Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah and Federal Minister Mosaddeq Malik. Senior officials from the interior, cabinet, finance, education and health ministries, as well as the Islamabad commissioner and CDA chairman, also participated.

The proposed model is intended to give Islamabad greater elected representation and local administrative authority while keeping certain strategic functions with the federal government.

However, the recommendations are not yet final. The proposed assembly, chief executive, division of powers and required legislation will depend on the prime minister’s approval and any subsequent legal process.