{"id":14807,"date":"2026-09-08T12:29:30","date_gmt":"2026-09-08T12:29:30","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/paksouch.com\/?p=14807"},"modified":"2026-09-08T12:29:31","modified_gmt":"2026-09-08T12:29:31","slug":"proposal-to-make-islamabad-a-new-federal-unit-governance-models-of-13-global-capitals-reviewed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/paksouch.com\/?p=14807","title":{"rendered":"Proposal to Make Islamabad a New Federal Unit: Governance Models of 13 Global Capitals Reviewed"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

ISLAMABAD:<\/strong> A high-powered committee has reviewed the governance structures of 13 international capitals as part of a proposal to establish Islamabad as a separate federal unit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The committee, formed by Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and headed by Planning Minister Ahsan Iqbal, examined different models of capital-city governance to finalize recommendations concerning the future administrative structure of the Islamabad Capital Territory Government (ICTG).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

One of the options being considered is the establishment of Islamabad as another federal administrative unit. The committee\u2019s review focuses on how major international capitals are governed and how their administrative, financial and legal arrangements could provide useful lessons for Islamabad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the detailed report prepared by the high-powered committee, governance models in Washington, Berlin, Singapore, Ottawa, Tokyo, Paris, Copenhagen, Stockholm, Canberra, Kuala Lumpur, Seoul, New Delhi and Kathmandu<\/strong> were examined.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The study looks at the different ways these capitals are administered, including their relationship with national governments, the degree of local autonomy available to their administrations, financial arrangements and mechanisms for accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Washington Model<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The report examines Washington, D.C., as an example of a federal district with its own locally elected mayor and council.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, despite having an elected local government, ultimate authority over several important matters remains with the US Congress. Congress approves the city\u2019s budget and has the authority to overturn local laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Washington, D.C., also generates revenue through taxes imposed on property, sales and income. At the same time, the district operates under significant federal financial oversight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The report notes that Washington has developed a strong tradition of transparency, public participation and citizen involvement in local policymaking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

According to the committee\u2019s assessment, one of the major strengths of the Washington model is its high level of financial and legal oversight. A strong regulatory framework and active public participation are also identified as features that can promote fiscal discipline and accountability.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, the model also has limitations. The report identifies restricted final autonomy and the continued role of Congress in the affairs of Washington, D.C., as key challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Federal oversight can limit the ability of local authorities to determine their own priorities. It can also contribute to a perception among residents that they do not enjoy the same degree of democratic autonomy as citizens living in US states.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lessons for Islamabad<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The review of international capitals is intended to help the Pakistani government determine an appropriate governance structure for Islamabad.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The committee is examining whether Islamabad should continue under its existing administrative arrangement or whether a separate federal-unit model could provide more effective governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The experience of the 13 capitals provides different examples of how national governments balance federal interests with local representation. Some capitals operate as federal districts, while others have distinct administrative structures within their respective countries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The committee\u2019s report therefore considers not only the legal status of capital territories but also their financial systems, administrative powers, local representation and accountability mechanisms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The proposed restructuring of Islamabad could have significant implications for the way the capital is governed. A new federal unit could potentially provide greater administrative clarity and allow local institutions to exercise defined powers while maintaining an appropriate relationship with the federal government.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

At the same time, the international examples demonstrate that creating a separate federal unit does not automatically guarantee complete local autonomy. The Washington model, in particular, shows how a capital can have elected local institutions while remaining subject to substantial oversight by the national legislature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The committee\u2019s recommendations are expected to take these advantages and challenges into account before a final decision is made regarding Islamabad\u2019s future administrative structure.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The proposal remains under consideration, and any move to establish Islamabad as a new federal unit would require the government to determine the appropriate constitutional, legal, administrative and financial framework.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The detailed examination of 13 global capitals is therefore being viewed as an effort to develop a governance model suited to Islamabad\u2019s unique position as Pakistan\u2019s federal capital.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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