Rawalpindi is poised for a significant transformation in its governance structure, moving away from its traditional single-city model. The Punjab government has approved a new local government system that will fundamentally reshape how the city is administered.
A City Divided: The Two-Town Structure
Under the newly approved plan, Rawalpindi will be bifurcated into two distinct municipal towns. Potohar Town and Rawal Town will each function as separate administrative entities. This division marks a departure from the previous system where the entire city fell under one municipal corporation.
Each of these newly formed towns will have its own elected leadership. Crucially, this means Rawalpindi will now be represented by two mayors instead of one. The move is designed to decentralize authority and bring civic administration closer to the people in different parts of the city.
Expanded Leadership: Mayors and Deputy Mayors
The new structure significantly increases the number of top-tier elected officials. In addition to the two mayors, the system will also introduce four deputy mayors – two for each town. This expansion in leadership roles aims to ensure more focused attention on local issues and better representation for various communities within the larger metropolitan area.
The framework for this change was established by the Punjab Local Government Act 2019. The recent approval by the provincial cabinet sets the stage for its implementation in Rawalpindi, following similar restructuring in other major cities like Lahore and Faisalabad.
Implications for Governance and Public Service
Proponents of the new system argue that creating smaller administrative units will lead to more efficient and responsive governance. With resources and decision-making powers devolved to the town level, issues related to sanitation, infrastructure maintenance, and local development projects could be addressed more swiftly.
However, the success of this model will depend on clear demarcation of responsibilities between the two town administrations and the coordination mechanisms put in place. Residents will be watching closely to see if the promised improvements in municipal services materialize under the new two-mayor system.
The upcoming local government elections will be the next critical step, where citizens will directly elect the mayors and deputy mayors who will lead this new administrative setup in Rawalpindi.
