Islamabad’s local government structure is set to undergo a major change after the federal cabinet approved a new system that will replace the existing metropolitan corporation with three separate town corporations. The move is aimed at improving local governance and service delivery in the capital.
Under the new setup, Islamabad will be divided into three towns, each managed by its own town corporation. Every town will have one mayor and two deputy mayors. These officials will serve four year terms and will be elected indirectly by the chairmen of union councils rather than through a direct public vote.
The proposed system gives significant administrative and financial autonomy to the town corporations. Officials say this will allow local governments to make faster decisions and better address issues such as sanitation, water supply, road maintenance, and other municipal services. Over time, many of these responsibilities will be transferred from the Capital Development Authority to the newly formed town administrations.
Supporters of the reform believe smaller administrative units will lead to better accountability and closer contact between elected representatives and residents. They argue that local problems can be handled more efficiently when authority is decentralized.
Before the changes can take effect, the plan requires presidential assent. Once approval is granted, the Election Commission of Pakistan will announce the boundaries of the three towns and release a schedule for local government elections.
The development marks a significant shift in how Islamabad is governed at the local level. If implemented as planned, the new system could reshape municipal management in the capital and serve as a model for local governance reforms in other parts of the country.
