Reform blueprint suggests autonomous ICT government with elected assembly and Smart City model
Image: Radio Pakistan
A major reform plan has proposed creating an elected government for Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), headed by either a chief minister or mayor.
The blueprint, prepared by a committee led by Planning Commission Minister Ahsan Iqbal and submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, calls for an 27-member elected ICT assembly.
Under the proposal, most governance powers would be transferred to the new ICT government, while law and order and master planning would remain under the federal government.
The plan also suggests merging existing civic bodies to reduce duplication and improve services.
A key feature is the “Smart City” model, aimed at modernising Islamabad through digital governance systems for services like taxation, land records, and licensing.
Six specialised authorities for health, education, environment, tourism, social welfare, and digital services are also proposed.
If approved, the reforms would be implemented in phases over five years, marking a major shift in how Islamabad is governed
