Islamabad set for major governance overhaul as panel proposes elected assembly, chief executive

• ‘Draft ICT Governance Model’ calls for end to bureaucratic control of federal capital

• 27-member elected house envisioned with CM or mayor as chief executive

• Planning Ministry opens report for public consultation ahead of cabinet review

• 138-page proposal seeks autonomous ICT government with key administrative powers

• Constitutional amendment and two-thirds parliamentary backing required for rollout

 ISLAMABAD: A governmental committee constituted by Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has proposed a “future-ready governance framework for Islamabad,” recommending the establishment of an elected legislative assembly in the capital headed by a chief executive, replacing what it described as a governance system long dominated by the federal bureaucracy.

The Ministry of Planning and Special Initiatives has released the draft report titled “ICT Governance Model,” prepared by a committee formed by the prime minister and chaired by Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Prof Ahsan Iqbal.

Explore the Report on ICT Governance Model, prepared by the Committee constituted by the Honourable Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif to review and formulate a future-ready governance framework for Islamabad.

The Committee, chaired by Federal Minister for Planning,… pic.twitter.com/4FO3g3LZK4

— M/o Planning, Development and Special Initiatives (@PlanComPakistan) June 5, 2026

The report has been placed in the public domain for consultation, inviting citizens, experts and stakeholders to submit feedback and suggestions for refinement before it is presented to the federal cabinet for final consideration.

“The committee after diligent consultation, discussion and review, has proposed a vision for a capital that is democratic, efficient, environmentally sustainable, technologically advanced, and responsive to the aspirations of its citizens,” Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal said.

“We have uploaded the proposed draft to the website and will conduct consultations to get feedback from the public and civil society,” Iqbal said while speaking to a TV channel. “Then we will present it before the cabinet again. This will require a constitutional amendment,” he added.

سینٹرلائزیشن کی وجہ سے وفاق کا موجودہ ڈھانچہ ناقابل عمل ہوچکا ہے۔ صوبے اتنے بڑے ہیں کہ دارالحکومتوں سے بیٹھ کر نہیں چلائے جاسکتے،احسن اقبال pic.twitter.com/o3xELpvcXL

— Geo News Urdu (@geonews_urdu) June 5, 2026

He further said the public consultation process was initiated on the advice of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, who had received the report earlier this week.

The 138-page report proposes structural changes to Islamabad’s governance model, including the creation of an autonomous Islamabad Capital Territory Government with administrative and financial powers.

Built as a planned city in the 1960s, Islamabad is known for its high standard of living, safety and extensive greenery. It is currently administered through multiple institutions under the interior ministry, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and various local government bodies.

Unlike provinces, the federal capital does not have its own elected legislature. Islamabad has also not held local government elections since 2015, leaving residents without direct municipal representation for more than a decade.

At the heart of the proposal is a 27-member assembly, comprising 21 directly elected members, five reserved seats for women and one seat for minorities.

The assembly would elect its own chief executive, who could be designated either as chief minister or mayor, the report stated.

Under the proposed framework, responsibilities for education, health care and municipal services would be devolved to the new elected government, while the federal administration would retain authority over the capital’s master planning and law and order.

The reforms, however, would require a constitutional amendment and broad political consensus to become law.

The planning minister said the proposed assembly would be empowered to legislate for the capital independently, adding that administrative bottlenecks in the existing system have hindered reforms in Islamabad’s governance structure.

“Even for the smallest legislation in Islamabad, if they have to impose a local tax, it has to go to the national parliament,” Iqbal said.

 ‘Capital envisioned as democratic, efficient, sustainable, and technologically advanced’

In a post on X, Iqbal said the proposed model aims to create a capital that is “democratic, efficient, environmentally sustainable, technologically advanced and responsive to the aspirations of its citizens.”

I am glad to share the Report of the “Committee to Review and Formulate ICT Governance Model” constituted by Hon’ble Prime Minister @CMShehbaz. The report envisages a Capital that is democratic, efficient, environmentally sustainable, technologically advanced and responsive to…

— Ahsan Iqbal (@betterpakistan) June 5, 2026

The report also outlines an integrated “Smart City” framework featuring six specialised authorities responsible for health, education, social welfare, tourism, environment and digital governance.

Implementation is proposed in a phased manner over five years, overseen by dedicated legislative, financial and transition committees, according to the report.

While the government has invited public feedback, the proposals may face political hurdles as any constitutional amendment would require a two-thirds majority in parliament.

However, Iqbal expressed confidence that the proposal would secure broad support.

“We will consult all political parties, but I don’t think anyone will object because everyone understands that there is a vacuum in Islamabad,” he said.