President signs landmark local govt ordinance, Islamabad admin to be overhauled

ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has promulgated the Islamabad Local Government Ordinance, marking a significant overhaul of the local administration in the federal capital. The ordinance introduces a range of key reforms aimed at restructuring the governance framework and strengthening the system of local governance.

Under the new ordinance, the existing Metropolitan Corporation will be dissolved, and three new town corporations will be established, aligned with the boundaries of the National Assembly constituencies. Each town corporation will be further divided into union councils, with the number of councils determined by the government.

The ordinance allows for adjustments to the boundaries of these town corporations and union councils based on public objections or recommendations, though such changes cannot occur once the election schedule has been announced.

The ordinance defines the local government as comprising the union council and the town corporation, with the provision for an administrator to be appointed by the government if the local government system becomes non-functional.

Each town corporation will be led by a mayor and two deputy mayors. Additionally, the chairman of each union council will serve as a general member of the town corporation. Each town corporation will also include diverse representation: four women, one farmer or worker, one trader or businessman, one youth, and one non-Muslim member.

The election process for union council members will be based on a secret ballot, with each voter casting a vote for one general member candidate. The top nine candidates with the most votes will be elected as general members. Once elected, these members will have 30 days to join any political party. Reserved seats within the union council will be filled by a show of hands vote, and the chairman and vice-chairman will also be elected through this method.

Similarly, the general and reserved members of each town corporation will elect their mayor and deputy mayor by majority vote. The positions of mayor and deputy mayor will be open only to members of the town corporation.

In terms of financial powers, the ordinance grants the local government or administrator the authority to impose various taxes, fees, rents, tolls, and other charges. However, any new tax proposals must first be approved by the government before being presented to the National Assembly. Additionally, the local government or administrator will have the ability to modify or exempt taxes, but they are required to adhere to government instructions.

The Islamabad Local Government Ordinance is seen as a major step toward restructuring the local government framework in the capital, strengthening government oversight, and centralising control. This new structure is expected to enhance governance and service delivery in Islamabad.