Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi reiterated his unwavering backing for the creation of an Islamabad province during a press briefing on Tuesday, pledging to champion the proposal in Parliament and to coordinate with provincial leaders on its implementation.
Background
The demand for a separate provincial status for the capital region has resurfaced intermittently since Islamabad was designated a federal territory in 1960. Over the past decade, rapid urban expansion, escalating population density, and the concentration of federal institutions have strained the existing administrative framework, prompting calls from local politicians and civil society for greater autonomy and a dedicated budgetary allocation.
Earlier this year, a bipartisan parliamentary committee submitted a report recommending the elevation of Islamabad to provincial rank, citing the need for clearer jurisdiction over land‑use planning, municipal services, and fiscal resources. The proposal, however, faced opposition from several provincial governments wary of setting a precedent that could fuel similar demands from other regions.
What it means
If Islamabad attains provincial status, the city’s municipal government would gain direct control over its revenue streams, including property taxes, commercial levies, and a share of federal development funds. This shift could accelerate infrastructure projects such as the expansion of the Islamabad Expressway, upgrades to the public transportation network, and the completion of pending housing schemes, directly benefiting residents who have long complained of service delays.
Politically, the move would grant the capital its own representation in the Senate and Provincial Assembly, potentially altering the balance of power in federal decision‑making. It could also streamline coordination between security agencies, the Ministry of Interior, and local authorities, enhancing the city’s ability to respond to emergencies and security challenges unique to the capital.
What happens next
Minister Naqvi announced that the interior ministry will draft a detailed legislative package to be tabled in the upcoming session of the National Assembly. The draft will address key concerns raised by provincial stakeholders, including revenue‑sharing formulas and mechanisms for inter‑provincial cooperation.
Stakeholders expect vigorous debate in Parliament, with opposition parties likely to scrutinize the fiscal implications and the constitutional amendment required for the change. A final decision is anticipated before the end of the current parliamentary term, after which Islamabad could officially become Pakistan’s seventh province.