The federal government has approved a major overhaul of Islamabad’s local governance system, introducing three Town Corporations under a new administrative framework. This decision will bring an end to the current Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) model.

The revised system has been designed along the lines of Punjab’s local government structure. Under this setup, each Town Corporation will be headed by a mayor, supported by two deputy mayors. Unlike direct public elections, these positions will be filled through indirect elections, with union council chairmen responsible for electing the mayors and their deputies.

Islamabad will be divided according to its three National Assembly constituencies. Each town corporation is expected to have administrative and financial autonomy. Key powers currently held by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) will gradually be transferred to the town corporations. Mayors of the Three Town Corporations will oversee municipal finances, development projects, and drainage systems. Their tenure will be four years, aiming to improve service delivery and decentralize governance in the federal capital.

Meanwhile, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has released an updated timetable for Islamabad’s local government elections. Union council polls are scheduled for February 15, 2026. The nomination process began in December 2025, while scrutiny of nomination papers will continue until January 6, 2026.

Appeals regarding nominations will be heard between January 7 and January 10, with final decisions expected from January 12 to January 15. The complete list of contesting candidates will be published on January 16, followed by the withdrawal deadline on January 17. Election symbols will be officially allocated on January 19.

Government officials believe that introducing three Town Corporations will bring governance closer to residents, improve the quality of municipal services, and enhance financial oversight in the federal capital. The new structure is expected to reduce administrative bottlenecks, promote decentralization, and empower local leadership.

This reform represents a significant shift in how Islamabad is governed and aligns with Pakistan’s broader efforts to strengthen local government institutions across the country.

Credit: Independent News Pakistan (INP)