The Pa Laung Self-Administered Zone was created as a separately administered unit by the 2008 Constitution.

During the current Myanmar civil war in December 2023, the zone came under the control of the Ta'ang National Liberation Army during Operation 1027 following their capture of Namhsan and Mantong.

The Leading Body has both executive and legislative functions and is led by a Chairperson.

The Leading Body has competence in ten areas of policy, including urban and rural development, road construction and maintenance, and public health.

[7] The zone is divided into two townships that were previously part of Kyaukme District: