The federal government has prepared a major reform blueprint for sweeping changes to the governance system of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT), including the creation of an elected territorial government, an autonomous assembly and a chief executive for the capital.

Released for public consultation, the draft 'ICT Governance Model' proposes to reduce institutional duplication between the Capital Development Authority, the ICT administration and the Metropolitan Corporation, and tie the overhaul to a long-promised smart-city digital transformation.

Officials say the new framework would for the first time give the capital's residents elected representation in matters of zoning, water, transport and local services.