islamabad : MNN
A major restructuring of Islamabad’s administrative system is being planned, with the federal capital set to become the first major test case for the creation of new administrative units.
According to the proposed draft, a 27-member Islamabad Assembly has been recommended, with 21 members to be elected directly by the people.
The proposal suggests seven assembly seats from each National Assembly constituency, along with five reserved seats for women and one seat for minorities.
The proposed structure also includes a Chief Executive for Islamabad and the establishment of 27 administrative departments.
Under the plan, key sectors including health, education, environment, civic services and local governments would come under the responsibility of the elected government.
Law and order and Islamabad’s master planning, however, are proposed to remain with the federal government, while other administrative affairs would be transferred to the elected setup.
The powers and responsibilities of the Capital Development Authority, or CDA, and other institutions operating in the federal capital are also proposed to be reorganized.
The proposed system aims to bring Islamabad’s fragmented administrative structure under one integrated framework, while introducing greater public representation and accountability.
The new administrative blueprint for the federal capital has been presented to the Prime Minister, raising the possibility that Islamabad’s citizens could soon have their own elected assembly and a more directly accountable system of governance.
