Islamabad to have three mayors under proposed new local government system

The federal government has decided to abolish the existing Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) system and divide the capital into three town corporations under a new local government structure, sources said.

Under the proposed system, Islamabad will have three mayors and six deputy mayors, with one mayor and two deputy mayors assigned to each town corporation. The mayors and deputy mayors will serve four-year terms and will not be elected through direct public voting. Instead, chairpersons of union councils will elect the town mayors and their deputies.

Sources said the division of Islamabad into three towns is based on the city’s three National Assembly constituencies.

The new town corporations are expected to be granted administrative and financial autonomy, while several powers currently held by the Capital Development Authority (CDA) will be transferred to them in phases.

According to officials, town mayors are likely to be given key responsibilities related to sanitation, drainage and development projects. The proposed local government framework aims to strengthen governance at the local level and improve the delivery of municipal services.

The new structure will divide Islamabad’s 125 union councils among the three town corporations according to population. Following approval by the federal cabinet, a presidential ordinance is expected to be issued.