Islamabad set to have its own elected government

ISLAMBAD: A sub-committee on administrative reforms has proposed the establishment of an Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) government modeled after New Delhi’s governance model.

In its interim report, the committee, headed by Barrister Zafarullah, recommended a representative government with democratic control in Islamabad. The proposal calls for the federal government to transfer some powers to the ICT administration.

The report suggests consolidating the fragmented departments into a streamlined system similar to the provincial government of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB). An elected assembly will be formed for Islamabad, but key areas such as home affairs, police and master planning will remain under federal control.

The assembly will elect a mayor, who will oversee the ICT government and be accountable to elected representatives.

Under the ICT government, departments will be divided into four groups: social, economic, development and general. The mayor will manage all matters except those under federal jurisdiction.

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) and other institutions will report to the ICT administration. A Chief Secretary will be appointed instead of the Chief Commissioner.

The Islamabad Capital Territory Act 2025 will be introduced to implement these changes. For the interim government, an executive order can be issued under Article 258 of the Constitution, similar to the GB Order 2018. The legal framework is expected to be ready within a month.