Islamabad to get three mayors under new local govt system

Federal cabinet approves three separate town corporations, summary forwarded to president for assent

The federal cabinet has approved a new local government system for Islamabad and decided to replace the existing metropolitan corporation system by dividing the city into three separate town corporations. Sources indicate that the new system will establish a structure with three mayors and six deputy mayors for the capital, each serving a four-year term.

Elections for these positions will be conducted by the chairmen of union councils. The summary has been sent to the president for his signature, after which the Election Commission will announce the new boundaries and an election schedule based on the amended framework.

The government has forwarded a summary to the president for his assent. Once the president gives his approval, an ordinance will be promulgated to implement the new local government structure in the federal capital.

According to sources, the capital will be divided into three town corporations based on the three constituencies of the National Assembly. Under the proposed system, town corporations will be granted administrative and financial autonomy, with many powers currently held by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) being gradually transferred to the town corporations.

In the new setup, mayors will be given significant powers over municipal services, such as sanitation, drainage, and development projects. Each town corporation will have one mayor and two deputy mayors. However, the mayoral and deputy mayoral elections will not be held directly. Instead, the chairmen of the union councils will elect the mayors and their deputies.

Read More: Election Commission schedules Islamabad local polls for Feb 15

The proposal also includes a four-year term for both mayors and deputy mayors. Following approval from the federal cabinet, the presidential ordinance is expected to be issued soon. Afterward, the Election Commission will finalise the new electoral boundaries and announce the election schedule.

Under the new system, Islamabad's 125 union councils will be distributed among the three town corporations based on population. The proposed structure is expected to improve local governance and enhance the provision of urban services to residents.

Last month, the Election Commission announced that local government elections in Islamabad will take place on February 15. Nomination papers were directed to be submitted between December 22 and 27, 2025. The verification of candidates’ nomination papers was to take place from December 30 to January 3, while election symbols will be allotted to candidates on January 16.

Deputy Commissioner Islamabad Irfan Nawaz Memon will serve as the District Returning Officer for the local government elections, which will be held across 125 union councils in Islamabad. The poll will be conducted in accordance with the Local Government Act 2015.

The federal capital has been without an elected mayor since February of 2021. Since Islamabad was established as the national capital in 1967, only two elected mayors have served the city, holding office between 2015 and 2021. After the last local government term in Islamabad Capital Territory concluded on February 14, 2021, elections have been repeatedly postponed under various pretexts.