Islamabad could receive provincial-style governance under a proposed framework that recommends creating its own assembly and giving the capital greater administrative and financial autonomy.

A high-level special committee has submitted the proposed governance framework to the prime minister as debate continues over the creation of new provinces and administrative units.

The draft recommends a 27-member Islamabad Assembly, including 21 directly elected members. Each of the federal capital’s National Assembly constituencies would have seven seats, while five seats would be reserved for women and one for minorities.

Under the proposed system, Islamabad would have its own chief executive, who could be designated either as chief minister or mayor. A chief secretary and four secretaries would oversee the capital’s administration, with the secretaries responsible for different groups of departments.

The proposed Islamabad government would control 27 administrative departments, including health, education, environmental protection and civic services. Law and order and master planning, however, would remain under federal control through a federal ministry or governor.

The Islamabad Assembly would have administrative and financial powers similar to a provincial legislature, while the Election Commission of Pakistan would conduct its elections. The proposal also calls for transferring the powers and functions of the Capital Development Authority and other bodies operating under local government law to the Islamabad government.

Federal institutions with nationwide responsibilities would continue to operate in the capital under the proposed framework.