ISLAMABAD: The government has unveiled an extensive reform plan aimed at overhauling the governance structure of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT). The blueprint, spanning 138 pages and devised by a high-level committee led by Planning Commission Minister Ahsan Iqbal, proposes establishing an elected territorial government headed by a chief minister or mayor, streamlining institutions, and adopting a comprehensive “Smart City” approach to enhance urban services and planning.
The initiative addresses the disconnect between Islamabad’s rapid urban growth now home to over 2.42 million residents and the existing institutional framework, which has struggled to evolve accordingly. The detailed report on “ICT Governance Model” has been presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for consideration.
Core Elements of the Proposal
At the heart of the plan lies the creation of a representative Islamabad Capital Territory Government (ICTG) empowered with administrative and financial autonomy akin to provincial authorities, while maintaining Islamabad’s unique federal status. The proposed governance structure features an Islamabad Capital Territory Assembly with 27 members: 21 elected through direct votes, five reserved seats for women, and one reserved seat for minorities. The assembly would elect a chief executive, designated as either chief minister or mayor, based on federal decision.
The plan calls for devolving most subjects to the ICT government, except for law and order and master planning, which would remain under federal jurisdiction due to Islamabad’s capital role. Responsibilities currently assigned to federal ministries and agencies, including the Capital Development Authority (CDA), would be transferred to the ICT government to reduce overlaps and improve efficiency.
Legal and Institutional Framework
A unified Islamabad Capital Territory Government Act is proposed to consolidate existing laws governing local government and development into a single legal framework. The ICT government would operate under its own Rules of Business, defining departmental structures, administrative hierarchy, and financial authority.
To facilitate implementation, the report recommends establishing several committees:
A Legislative Committee (including law ministers, ICT Members of National Assembly, secretaries, CDA leadership, and co-opted members) to draft necessary laws.
A Finance Committee (led by the planning minister, with finance, planning, interior officials, ICT MNAs, and CDA representatives) to design fiscal transfer mechanisms and local tax policies.
A Transition Committee** (possibly headed by the parliamentary affairs minister) to oversee phased institutional transfer and ensure operational continuity.
The report emphasizes that these reforms would primarily involve restructuring existing institutions rather than creating new financial burdens, with resource allocation and fiscal policies to be finalized under the new framework.
Smart City Vision and Urban Transformation
A prominent feature of the reform is the development of a “Smart City” model, transforming Islamabad into a technologically advanced, environmentally sustainable, and citizen-centric metropolis. The strategy underscores that structural reforms are essential for effective digital transformation and governance.
The vision rests on three pillars:
1. Making Islamabad a “nature capital” through eco-tourism and environmental conservation initiatives.
2. Promoting cultural heritage and creative industries to foster civic identity and economic growth.
3. Creating an inclusive, vibrant city that encourages public participation, urban vibrancy, and international connectivity.
Economic studies suggest that a unified “Destination Islamabad” strategy could substantially boost tourism, generate employment, attract private investments, and improve local revenue collection.
Institutional and Digital Ecosystem Development
To realize this vision, the reform proposes establishing six specialized authorities under the ICT government:
– ICT Health Authority
– ICT Education Authority
– Social Welfare and Inclusion Authority
– Tourism and Culture Authority
– Environment and Climate Authority
– Digital and E-Governance Authority
Each authority would be led by a qualified CEO, operate independently, and adhere to performance-based accountability standards.
A key component involves creating a comprehensive digital governance system integrating land management, licensing, taxation, citizen identification, grievance redress, and service monitoring built on existing infrastructure and aligned with national digital initiatives. This integrated system aims to boost transparency, reduce costs, and improve service delivery.
Implementation Timeline and Policy Alignment
The proposed reforms envisage a phased rollout over five years, beginning with legal and institutional adjustments, followed by the formation of authorities, digital integration, and performance assessment. The reform aligns with national policies such as Uraan Pakistan, Digital Pakistan, and the Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing sustainable urban growth, robust institutions, innovation, and inclusiveness.
If executed, this comprehensive framework could redefine governance in Islamabad, establishing it as a model for metropolitan management, digital innovation, and public sector reform in Pakistan.
The Prime Minister’s Office has initiated this process through a high-level committee, supported by a dedicated subcommittee focused on ICT governance, to ensure the reforms are constitutional, democratic, and aligned with international best practices.
