A wide-ranging reform plan aimed at transforming Islamabad into a smart, digitally governed capital city has been presented to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, proposing major changes to the federal capital’s governance structure over the next five years.
According to the proposal, Islamabad would receive an elected regional government led by a 27-member Islamabad Assembly responsible for overseeing local governance and public services. The assembly would elect its own leader, who could serve as either Chief Minister or Mayor under the proposed framework.
The plan calls for the introduction of an Islamabad Capital Territory Government Act and the consolidation of existing municipal and development laws into a unified governance system. Most administrative powers currently exercised by federal institutions would gradually be transferred to the proposed local government, while law and order and master planning functions would remain under federal oversight.
A special transition committee has been proposed to supervise the phased transfer of responsibilities and coordinate implementation of the reforms.
The report also outlines a five-year strategy to turn Islamabad into a modern smart city through greater use of technology and digital governance. As part of the plan, six specialized agencies would be established to oversee sectors including health, education, tourism, and e-governance.
Authorities also propose developing a unified digital platform that would integrate land records, taxation, licensing services, and public complaint management into a single system aimed at improving efficiency and transparency.
The reform blueprint further recommends granting Islamabad greater financial and administrative autonomy through an independent finance committee responsible for local taxation and resource allocation.
Through a broader “Destination Islamabad” initiative, the plan seeks to promote tourism, attract investment, and position the capital as a modern, technology-driven city.
