The federal government has decided to make changes to the federal capital’s administrative system and set up a separate assembly for Islamabad.
According to media reports, a special committee has submitted its recommendations to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
The committee includes Ahsan Iqbal, Rana Sanaullah, Tariq Fazal Chaudhry and Musadik Malik. It has proposed a separate government setup for Islamabad, along with its own chief executive.
Under the proposed structure, an Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Assembly comprising 27 members will be established. Of these, 21 members will be elected through direct elections, while five seats will be reserved for women and one seat for minorities.
The assembly will elect its own head, who may be given the title of Chief Minister or Mayor, depending on the federal government’s decision.
Under the plan, all powers except law and order and master planning will be transferred to the ICT government. These two areas will remain under the federal government because of Islamabad’s status as the national capital.
The proposal also calls for transferring administrative responsibilities currently held by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and various federal ministries and institutions to the ICT government. The move aims to eliminate overlapping powers and reduce institutional conflicts.
After the prime minister approves the proposal, the government will introduce legislation in Parliament to create the new administrative structure for Islamabad.
