Summary Islamabad’s proposed administrative unit may initially retain existing boundaries, while adjoining areas could be added through constitutional procedures and provincial approval.
ISLAMABAD (Mudassar Ali Rana) - If Islamabad is made an administrative unit, its boundaries and jurisdiction will be determined on constitutional, administrative and geographical grounds.
According to Planning Ministry sources, the existing Islamabad Capital Territory is initially likely to be designated as the boundary of the new province or administrative unit.
In a second phase, some areas adjoining Islamabad could also be incorporated into the new province or administrative unit. However, this would require changes to existing provincial boundaries and formal delimitation.
More to read: New provinces, administrative units need of the hour: National Dialogue Committee
Sources said provincial areas cannot be included in the new administrative unit without approval through resolutions of the respective provincial assemblies. The final decision regarding the unit’s boundaries and powers will be taken in accordance with constitutional and legal procedures.
According to a document, recommendations have been prepared to transfer powers from the federal government to local government as part of restructuring Islamabad’s administrative system. The proposed arrangement would devolve authority to the grassroots level and establish a representative government in Islamabad.
The Planning Commission document states that law and order and master planning would not fall under the jurisdiction of the new administrative unit. If Islamabad is declared a separate administrative unit, these powers would remain with the federal government.
