ISLAMABAD: Pakistan is considering a major overhaul of the administrative system in its federal capital, Islamabad, with a high-level government committee proposing an elected assembly, a chief executive and 27 administrative departments for Islamabad.
The committee has submitted its draft governance model to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif for a final decision. The proposal comes as debate over the creation of new provinces and administrative units gains momentum across the country, according to interior ministry officials.
Six reserved seats proposed for women and minorities
Under the proposed model, Islamabad would have a 27-member elected assembly, with 21 members directly elected by voters. The remaining six seats would be reserved, including five for women and one for minorities.
The proposal also envisages an elected chief executive for the federal capital, with the position potentially designated as either chief minister or mayor. The chief executive would be accountable to the elected assembly, introducing a stronger system of public representation and political oversight in Islamabad.
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27 departments proposed under Islamabad government
The proposed Islamabad government would oversee 27 administrative departments, with health, education, environment and civic services among the areas recommended for transfer to the elected local administration.
However, law and order and the capital’s master planning would remain under the federal government. Other administrative responsibilities would be transferred to the elected Islamabad government.
The committee has also proposed restructuring the powers and responsibilities of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) and other institutions operating in the capital to bring the currently fragmented administrative structure under a more integrated governance framework.
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New Administrative Model Proposed for Islamabad, Including 27-Member Assemblyhttps://t.co/AJh4hPhfR7
— Urdu Report (@UrduReportpk) September 6, 2026
New legislation required
The proposed changes would require a comprehensive legal framework and new legislation. If approved, the model could significantly alter the way Islamabad is governed and administered.
The proposal is being considered amid a broader national debate in Pakistan over the creation of new provinces and administrative units. Islamabad could potentially serve as an important test case for a new governance model before similar arrangements are considered elsewhere.
Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi, Prime Minister’s Adviser Rana Sanaullah and Federal Minister Musadik Malik have contributed to the preparation of the proposed model.
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Senior officials from the interior, cabinet, finance, health and education ministries, along with the Islamabad commissioner and CDA chairman, were also involved in preparing the proposed administrative framework.
The recommendations are not yet final. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will take the final decision on whether and how the proposed governance model for Islamabad is implemented.
