Ruling PML-N backs proposal to give Islamabad provincial status

The Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) has wholeheartedly supported Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi's proposal to grant Islamabad provincial status. Raja Khurram Shahzad Nawaz, the Chairperson of the National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior and local MNA from Islamabad, expressed his gratitude to the interior minister, stating that the demand for provincial status for Islamabad had been long-standing.

Naqvi had previously mentioned that despite paying various taxes, Islamabad residents had no share in the NFC Award, which he deemed unjust.

Naqaz highlighted that residents of Islamabad paid taxes including Excise, Taxation, income tax, stamp duty, land transfer fees, among others, while receiving no benefits from the NFC Award. He expressed hope for the establishment of a provincial assembly in Islamabad, noting that changes to laws, delimitation, and amendments to the CDA Ordinance might be required.

Local MNA Mr. Nawaz emphasized that without provincial status, the concerns of Islamabad's residents could not be effectively addressed. He emphasized that in urban areas, the Capital Development Authority (CDA) carried out development work after selling its land, whereas in rural areas, requests for various packages from the federal government often remained unsuccessful. He argued that an NFC share was the only feasible solution.

According to the proposed plan, the Islamabad Assembly would comprise 27 members, with 21 directly elected members, seven from each of the three National Assembly constituencies, five women on reserved seats, and one minority member. The assembly would elect a chief minister or mayor as the chief executive, while the chief commissioner would be replaced with a chief secretary. All departments would operate under the assembly, except for law and order and master planning, which would remain under the federal government.

As a result of the proposal, local government elections in Islamabad may be delayed further, as changes to the Local Government Act, the CDA Ordinance, and other laws would be necessary. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) is currently conducting delimitation, with the final constituencies and Union Councils expected to be published on October 14, 2026. However, the upcoming elections now appear to be in jeopardy due to the proposed changes.