The government has prepared a major reform blueprint for sweeping changes to the governance system of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), including the creation of an elected territorial government led by a chief minister or mayor, consolidation of fragmented institutions, and a shift towards an integrated 'Smart City' model aimed at improving service delivery and long-term urban planning in the federal capital.
Comprehensive Reform Report
The 138-page report on 'ICT Governance Model' was prepared by a high-powered committee under Planning Commission Minister Ahsan Iqbal, amid concerns that Islamabad's rapid transformation from a planned administrative capital into a metropolitan city of more than 2.42 million people has not been matched by institutional evolution. The report has been presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.
Key Proposals
At the centre of the proposal is the creation of a representative Islamabad Capital Territory Government (ICTG) with administrative and financial autonomy comparable to provincial governments, while preserving Islamabad's special federal character. The proposed structure includes an elected Islamabad Capital Territory Assembly comprising 27 members.
- Elected Leadership: The territory would be governed by either a chief minister or a mayor, chosen from the elected assembly members.
- Institutional Consolidation: Multiple existing agencies dealing with development, municipal services, and planning would be merged into a single unified authority under the ICTG.
- Smart City Integration: The reform emphasizes leveraging technology for efficient governance, including digital service delivery, smart traffic management, and data-driven urban planning.
The committee's report argues that the current fragmented governance structure has led to inefficiencies, overlapping jurisdictions, and slow decision-making, hindering Islamabad's development as a modern capital. The proposed model aims to streamline operations and enhance accountability.
Preserving Federal Character
While granting substantial autonomy, the blueprint ensures that Islamabad remains under federal oversight in key areas such as security, foreign affairs, and constitutional matters. The ICTG would have control over local services, urban development, transport, health, and education.
The report also recommends a phased implementation, starting with the establishment of the territorial assembly within two years, followed by gradual transfer of powers and resources. Financial sustainability would be ensured through a combination of federal grants, local taxes, and public-private partnerships.
If approved, the reform would mark the most significant governance change in Islamabad since its creation as Pakistan's capital in the 1960s, potentially serving as a model for other urban centers in the country.
