Muhammad Amanullah
September 7, 2026
The committee constituted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to examine the local government system in the federal capital has prepared key proposals for introducing a new administrative and local government structure in Islamabad.
Under the proposed framework, a 27-member Islamabad Capital Territory Assembly would be established, while the post of an elected chief executive, either a chief minister or mayor, would also be introduced.
According to sources, the proposed system would give Islamabad an elected local government responsible for a range of administrative and civic matters, while certain key areas would remain under the control of the federal government.
27-member assembly proposed
Sources said the committee has recommended establishing an Islamabad Capital Territory Assembly comprising 27 members.
Of these, 21 members would be directly elected by voters. The proposal includes five reserved seats for women and one seat for minorities, bringing the total strength of the assembly to 27.
The proposed framework also includes a recommendation to establish seven Islamabad Capital Territory Assembly seats from each National Assembly constituency in the federal capital.
Chief minister or mayor
One of the key elements of the proposed system is the creation of an elected chief executive for Islamabad.
The proposal suggests either a chief minister or mayor as the head of the elected local government.
According to sources, the elected chief executive would be accountable to the assembly, with various administrative affairs of the capital being managed through the elected government.
The proposal is aimed at increasing the role of elected representatives in civic and administrative affairs and establishing a system in which decisions concerning the capital can be made at the local level.
27 departments under local government
The committee has recommended placing 27 administrative departments under the proposed elected government of Islamabad.
These departments would include areas such as health, education, environment and civic services, among other sectors.
Sources said additional administrative responsibilities could also be transferred to the elected government, giving it greater authority to address day-to-day civic issues.
Under the proposed arrangement, the local government would have greater decision-making powers over municipal services, basic facilities and other matters concerning residents at the local level.
Law and order to remain with federal government
The proposed system would retain certain important functions under the federal government.
According to sources, law and order would remain a federal responsibility. The master planning of Islamabad would also continue to fall under the federal government’s jurisdiction.
The proposed division is intended to maintain the federal government’s role in matters of national importance while transferring a broader range of civic and administrative responsibilities to the elected local government.
CDA powers may be restructured
Sources said the powers and responsibilities of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and other institutions are also being reviewed as part of the proposed new system.
The committee has recommended examining how responsibilities should be divided among Islamabad’s various institutions to remove administrative ambiguities between the elected government and federal bodies.
The role of the CDA and other relevant institutions would subsequently be determined within the framework of the proposed local government structure.
Election Commission to conduct elections
Under the proposed draft, elections for the Islamabad Capital Territory Assembly would be conducted by the Election Commission of Pakistan.
Sources said Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution would apply to candidates contesting the assembly elections.
Candidates would therefore be required to meet the constitutional eligibility requirements and would remain subject to the disqualification provisions prescribed under the law.
Local government ordinance expires
Meanwhile, the ordinance governing local government in Islamabad has also completed its prescribed period.
According to sources, 240 days have passed since the Islamabad Local Government Ordinance was issued on January 9, 2026.
The federal government is reportedly considering introducing the proposed new system instead of proceeding with conventional local government elections in the capital.
A proposal to convene the National Assembly session on September 21 instead of September 11 is also under consideration. Sources said that if the session is delayed, the Islamabad Local Government Ordinance would automatically expire upon completion of its prescribed period.
Path being prepared for new system
Government sources said the committee formed by the prime minister has completed its recommendations concerning the proposed system, with further steps expected to give the proposals a legal framework.
If implemented, the new system would significantly alter the existing administrative structure of Islamabad.
The establishment of a 27-member assembly, an elected chief executive and the transfer of numerous administrative departments to the local government could substantially change the distribution of powers in the federal capital.
However, the final structure of the proposed system, including the establishment of the assembly, the title and powers of the chief executive, and the division of responsibilities between the federal and local governments, will only become clear after the necessary legislation and government approvals.
