No new province in Islamabad, status to be maintained: Tariq Fazal Chaudhry

Federal Minister Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has clarified that no new province is being created in Islamabad and that the capital's current status will be maintained.

Speaking on a television program, the minister stated that while there is no need for a chief minister, the Islamabad assembly should be granted law-making powers. He advocated for an empowered assembly under a Mayor or Lord Mayor, suggesting that an empowered local government system is not a substitute for a legislative assembly.

PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah has reportedly revealed a significant plan regarding the administrative status of Islamabad, with some reports indicating that a new map for the capital has been prepared.

In the ongoing discussion about the administrative future of the capital, senior PML-N leader Rana Sanaullah has reportedly commented on whether Islamabad should become a province or have a local government system, according to media reports on Tuesday.

PML-N leader Dr. Tariq Fazal Chaudhry has revealed details of a draft proposal aimed at making Islamabad a new province, according to media reports on Tuesday. The discussions reportedly include potential changes to the National Finance Commission (NFC) award formula to manage resource allocation for the capital if it gains provincial status. Separately, reports also indicated related developments have emerged from the courts, though specific details were not immediately available.

As the government considers granting Islamabad greater administrative autonomy, a new proposal suggests introducing a local tax on residents to fund the capital's public services and infrastructure.

According to available reports, the revenue generated from this proposed tax would be collected and spent exclusively within Islamabad's boundaries. The funds would be allocated to improve hospitals, schools, welfare programmes, and development projects.

This development comes as Pakistan prepares for negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over the fifth review of its Extended Fund Facility (EFF) programme. The proposed tax mechanism could become a key part of Islamabad's financial structure if it is made an autonomous unit.

Initial proposals are expected to be prepared by the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) before moving through high-level committees. If approved, the new local tax could potentially be introduced in the next fiscal year's federal budget.

According to reports on September 8, the financial framework for a new administrative system in Islamabad is nearing finalisation. The details of the framework and which of the competing governance proposals it applies to have not yet been made public.

The ongoing discussion about new administrative units has reportedly expanded to include the possibility of establishing Karachi as a separate province, alongside the existing proposal for Islamabad.

In recent commentary on the matter, journalist Hamid Mir suggested that a referendum on creating new provinces is unlikely. He stated that a "big sacrifice" would be needed to achieve such a political change.

The discussion around Islamabad's administrative future has evolved, with recent reports on September 8 indicating that a plan to make the capital a separate province is now under consideration. Political figures, including Rana Sanaullah, have reportedly commented on the matter, shifting the focus from a devolved local government to full provincial status.

A high-powered committee, led by Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal, has finalized its recommendations for a new governance model for Islamabad. The committee, which was constituted by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, has proposed making the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) a federating unit with devolved powers.

According to the proposal, the federal government would retain control over law and order and the city's master planning.

This development comes as a National Assembly panel has separately cleared amendments to a local government law that would create three separate metropolitan corporations for the capital, one for each of its National Assembly constituencies. It remains unclear which governance model will ultimately be pursued.

A roadmap for the proposed new administrative setup for Islamabad has been prepared, according to available reports on Saturday.

The plan, which aims to grant the federal capital a new governance structure, has been under consideration and this marks the latest step in the process. No new details on the contents of the proposal were immediately available.

Further details on the proposal for a new administrative structure in Islamabad indicate that the envisioned Islamabad Assembly would be established through an Act of Parliament, rather than a constitutional amendment. This legislative approach is part of the plan submitted to the Prime Minister for creating an empowered local government for the federal capital.

Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has voiced his support for the proposal to establish a separate administrative unit for Islamabad. Separately, Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) has also commented on the proposed bill, according to available reports.

Further details have emerged regarding the proposed new administrative model for Islamabad, which has been submitted to the Prime Minister. The plan suggests the elected head of the local government could hold the title of Chief Minister or Mayor.

A key recommendation is the transfer of major powers from the Capital Development Authority (CDA) to the new elected government. The proposal also outlines granting the capital administrative and financial autonomy along provincial lines, including the authority to formulate its own rules of business.

The proposed 27-member assembly would include five reserved seats for women and one for minorities. A new administrative structure led by a chief secretary and four secretaries to oversee various departments is also part of the plan.