ISLAMABAD: The federal government wants to give space to politicians in Islamabad’s governance system as a meeting held on Thursday deliberated on governance models of the capitals of democratic countries.

Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal chaired the meeting of Islamabad Governance Reforms Committee established by the prime minister.

The meeting was attended by all three MNAs from Islamabad - Dr Tariq Fazal Chaudhry, Anjum Aqeel Khan Raja Khurram Nawaz - along with adviser to Prime Minister on Inter-Provincial Coordination (IPC) Rana Sanaullah, Minister for Petroleum Musadiq Malik, PML-N leader Barrister Zafarullah Khan.

Secretary planning Awais Manzoor Sumra, Secretary Cabinet Kamran Ali and senior officials from the CDA, Metropolitan Corporation Islamabad (MCI) and the Ministry of Planning also attended the meeting.

The CDA officials said lack of revision in the master plan had resulted in numerous problems requiring immediate resolution. They said a summary had been moved to the federal government for formation of the master plan commission.

The participants agreed that establishing of a world-class municipal framework for Islamabad was a pressing need. They resolved to take all necessary steps to achieve this goal.

Minister Ahsan Iqbal emphasised the urgency of equipping Islamabad with a modern and accountable governance system. He stressed the need to integrate the administrative structures of urban and rural areas while ensuring a clear division of administrative and developmental responsibilities under the ICT governance framework.

The minister also called for delineation of roles and responsibilities among the CDA, MCI, and elected representatives to address the issue of limited powers.

The meeting also discussed the eradication of illegal housing societies. Barrister Zafarullah Khan pointed out that much of Bhara Kahu comprised unauthorised constructions, requiring prompt corrective actions.

MNA Tariq Fazal Chaudhry observed that while laws were in place their lack of implementation was creating hurdles.

Minister Ahsan Iqbal directed the formation of a subcommittee comprising representatives from the MCI, CDA and elected officials tasked with presenting its recommendations within five days. Additionally, it will examine Islamabad’s local government structure and address issues related to health and educational institutions.

Islamabad has been facing inordinate delay in holding local government elections which many believe could resolve issues being faced by residents.

Earlier, local government elections were held in November 2015 and the elected representatives completed their tenure in 2021. However, since then there have been no local government polls.

Published in Dawn, December 6th, 2024