Plans to reorganise Islamabad as a separate administrative unit are moving forward. The government is considering changes to the capital’s administrative structure to improve governance and transfer more powers to the local level.
According to sources in the Planning Ministry, the existing boundaries of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) are likely to become the initial boundaries of the proposed province or administrative unit.
However, the boundaries may be expanded later. Some areas located next to Islamabad could become part of the new administrative unit in a second phase.
Adding areas currently belonging to another province would require changes to provincial boundaries. Formal delimitation would also be needed.
The concerned provincial assemblies would have to approve such changes through resolutions. Therefore, the final boundaries and powers of the proposed unit would be decided through constitutional and legal procedures.
The government has not yet announced which neighbouring areas could potentially be included.
More powers for local government
A Planning Commission document has also proposed transferring several powers from the federal government to Islamabad’s local government.
The purpose is to bring decision making closer to residents. Islamabad would have a representative government with greater authority at the local level.
However, two important responsibilities would remain under federal control.
Law and order would not come under the authority of the proposed administrative unit. Master planning for Islamabad would also remain with the federal government.
Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi recently argued that the country’s growing population and changing needs require changes to the existing administrative structure. He has also called for debate on giving Islamabad provincial status.
Islamabad plans proposals final structure, boundaries and powers will depend on constitutional requirements, legal procedures and political approval.