ISLAMABAD: In an apparent move to derail electoral process for the local government in capital city, the government is considering to introduce ‘Federal Council’ in Islamabad.

The Election Commission of Pakistan has recently announced schedule of local government elections in Islamabad.

However, preparations are underway to introduce an alternative governance framework to replace the existing local government system in the federal capital, official sources told Infra News PK.

According to the sources, the federal government is considering the formation of a Federal Council for Islamabad, which would assume the role currently performed by the local government setup. The proposed council is expected to comprise 15 to 20 members, who would be elected through a formal electoral process. The council would also have its own assembly.

Sources said the Federal Council would elect a mayor from among its members, while the Chief Commissioner Islamabad would perform functions equivalent to those of a chief secretary within the new structure.

The proposed Federal Council is intended to function as a replacement for the existing municipal system and would be made responsible for addressing Islamabad’s civic, administrative and developmental issues.

A committee headed by Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal has started work on drafting the proposed framework. The committee is finalising recommendations, which will be submitted to the prime minister for consideration.

Sources said the establishment of the Federal Council would require an Act of Parliament, under which the new system would be formally constituted.

If approved, the move would mark a major shift in Islamabad’s governance structure, redefining the administrative and political control of the federal capital.