A high-level committee has proposed creating a 27-member elected assembly for Islamabad Capital Territory. The draft plan also recommends appointing a chief executive to lead the new government structure.
The proposal was presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif by a committee headed by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal. Several federal ministers, Islamabad MNAs and senior officials contributed to the draft framework.
Proposed Assembly and Government Structure
The proposed Islamabad Capital Territory Assembly would consist of 27 members. These would include 21 directly elected members, five reserved seats for women and one seat for minorities.
The Election Commission of Pakistan would conduct elections for the assembly. Moreover, all members would be required to meet constitutional eligibility standards.
Under the proposal, the assembly would elect its own leader. That individual would serve as chief minister or mayor and act as the territory’s chief executive.
Each National Assembly constituency in Islamabad would contain seven corresponding assembly constituencies. The elected chief executive would remain accountable to the assembly.
New Departments and Legislative Process
The proposal recommends establishing 27 departments under the Islamabad government. Health, education, environment and municipal services would fall under its jurisdiction.
However, law and order and master planning would remain under federal control. These functions would operate through the relevant federal minister or a governor.
Most responsibilities of the Capital Development Authority would transfer to the new government. Only master planning powers would remain outside its control.
The framework would be introduced through the Islamabad Capital Territory Government Act 2026. After cabinet approval, the proposed legislation would be presented in both houses of Parliament.
If enacted, the Islamabad government would receive administrative and financial autonomy. The new system would apply across the entire Islamabad Capital Territory.
