A broad reform proposal aimed at turning Islamabad into a smart, digitally governed capital has been submitted to Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, outlining major structural changes in the federal capital’s governance over the next five years.

According to the proposal, Islamabad would be governed by an elected regional setup featuring a 27-member Islamabad Assembly responsible for overseeing local administration and public service delivery. The assembly would elect its own head, who may serve in the capacity of Chief Minister or Mayor under the suggested framework.

The plan recommends introducing an Islamabad Capital Territory Government Act and merging existing municipal and development laws into a single unified system. It proposes a gradual transfer of several administrative responsibilities from federal institutions to the proposed local government structure, while functions related to law and order and master planning would remain under federal control.

A dedicated transition committee has been suggested to oversee the phased implementation of the reforms and ensure coordination among relevant institutions.

The document also outlines a five-year roadmap for developing Islamabad into a smart city through expanded use of digital systems in governance. Six specialized agencies are proposed to manage key sectors including health, education, tourism, and digital services.

The plan further proposes a unified digital platform integrating land records, taxation, licensing, and public grievance systems to streamline services and improve transparency.

In addition, the proposal recommends establishing a financial and administrative framework to provide greater autonomy to the capital, including an independent finance committee for local revenue management and allocation.