ISLAMABAD: President Asif Ali Zardari has promulgated the Islamabad Local Government Ordinance, introducing a major overhaul of the local government system in the federal capital aimed at restructuring administration and strengthening governance.
Under the ordinance, the existing Metropolitan Corporation will be dissolved and replaced with three town corporations, aligned with the boundaries of National Assembly constituencies. Each town corporation will be subdivided into union councils, with their number to be determined by the government.
The ordinance allows changes to the boundaries of town corporations and union councils in light of public objections or recommendations. However, no changes will be permitted once the election schedule is announced.
The local government structure will consist of union councils and town corporations. In case the system becomes non-functional, the government will have the authority to appoint an administrator.
Each town corporation will be headed by a mayor and two deputy mayors. Chairmen of union councils will serve as general members of their respective town corporations. Representation in each town corporation will include four women, one farmer or worker, one trader or businessman, one youth, and one non-Muslim member.
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Union council members will be elected through a secret ballot, with voters casting one vote for a general member. The nine candidates securing the highest votes will be elected as general members. These members will have 30 days to join a political party after the election. Reserved seats in union councils will be filled through a show of hands, while chairmen and vice-chairmen will also be elected in the same manner.
Similarly, general and reserved members of town corporations will elect the mayor and deputy mayor by a majority vote. Only members of the town corporation will be eligible for these positions.
The ordinance grants financial powers to the local government or administrator, including the authority to levy taxes, fees, rents, tolls and other charges. Any new tax proposal must first be approved by the government before being presented to the National Assembly. The local government or administrator may also modify or exempt taxes in accordance with government instructions.
The Islamabad Local Government Ordinance is being seen as a significant move to restructure local governance in the capital, enhance administrative oversight and improve service delivery.