March 2025 marked a significant milestone as PML-N’s Research and Policy Planning Unit and Horizon magazine celebrated their sixth anniversary at the historic Faletti’s Hotel in Lahore. The event was a tribute to the tireless efforts of a team committed to truth, public service, and informed policymaking.
The event’s host, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, addressed a hall packed with lawmakers, provincial ministers, international delegates, media professionals, and civil society members.
“Horizon is not just a magazine — it’s a voice for policy, a guide for the youth, and a pillar of democratic dialogue,” he said. “Its role in shaping informed citizenship and supporting Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif’s reform vision is nothing short of remarkable.”
The importance of research and analysis in shaping national policy and educational reforms has been highlighted at the highest levels of government. On one occasion, the Prime Minister of Pakistan stated, “In the footsteps of Quaid-e-Azam, who believed in reason, research, and knowledge, we must foster a culture of critical inquiry and evidence-based decision-making to drive Pakistan forward.”
This emphasis reflects the state’s growing recognition of intellectual efforts in the development sector. Supporting this notion, the Federal Minister for Information and Broadcasting Attaullah Tarar remarked, “Promoting platforms of academic dialogue and national narrative is vital.”
Senior journalist Salman Ghani noted, “In a time of noise and misinformation, Horizon stands out for its clarity and focus. It reminds us that politics isn’t just about power — it’s about people.”
These statements reflect a shared commitment among national leaders to revive a tradition of thoughtful investigation rooted in Pakistan’s founding vision.
How it all began
To truly appreciate the RPPU and Horizon’s current stature, one must reflect on the turbulent times from which they emerged.
Back in 2019, Pakistan’s political landscape was fraught with repression. A heavy cloud of repression loomed over Pakistan’s democratic landscape. It was a period of profound suffering and political persecution — one that witnessed the mass incarceration of the PML-N members. Countless voices were silenced, from devoted party workers to the most senior leadership, who faced arrests and fabricated cases. But history has a rhythm, and positive resistance always finds a voice.
As Horizon enters its seventh year, the journey ahead is both bold and promising. Ambitious plans are underway to expand its digital footprint, introduce youth-centric editions, publish multilingual content, and organise nationwide policy forums.
In this challenging environment, party President Shehbaz Sharif chose to respond not with agitation, but with strategy. He initiated the Research and Policy Planning Unit (RPPU) — a think tank within the party focused on evidence-based policymaking and strategic planning.
“We needed more than slogans — we needed substance,” Saira Bano, a founding member of the RPPU, recalls. “The country was hurting. Our response had to be intelligent and humane.”
PML-N leader Hamza Shahbaz devoted his office to RPPU’s activities and the publication of its seminal newsletter Horizon.
The birth and growth of Horizon
Horizon started modestly, as a simple internal bulletin of RPPU’s research and news. But soon, its relevance expanded. By its third year, Horizon had grown into a 20-page monthly magazine, gaining popularity among party circles, academics, journalists, and youth.
The magazine delved into issues like education reform, youth engagement, healthcare, and food security, always grounded in data, analysis, and public impact.
“Horizon became our way of explaining the ‘why’ behind our policies,” said Sultan Ali Ranjha, an editorial team member. “We weren’t just writing; we were educating.”
With every edition, Horizon brought forward fresh voices — young writers, senior analysts, parliamentarians, and policy professionals. It gave space to opinions, debates, interviews, and reform ideas that helped build a culture of constructive discourse within the party and beyond.
Role in party policy and 2024 Election Manifesto
In addition to publishing white papers on PTI’s government’s performance and providing research inputs to parliamentarians, one of RPPU’s standout achievements was participation in the development of the PML-N’s 2024 Election Manifesto. Experts from RPPU developed concrete proposals for various sectors, which were consolidated in the final draft of the manifesto. RPPU’s team also reviewed more than 4,000 suggestions by members of the public and prepared summaries. This venture wasn’t just internal — it represented a new political culture where research and communication worked hand-in-hand.
Looking forward
As Horizon enters its seventh year, the journey ahead is both bold and promising. Ambitious plans are underway to expand its digital footprint, introduce youth-centric editions, publish multilingual content, and organise nationwide policy forums. With Pakistan moving decisively in the right direction — socially, economically, and intellectually — every facet of national life shows signs of positive transformation. In this evolving landscape, the Horizon team also aspires to collaborate with civil society and academic institutions, further solidifying its position as a trusted platform for progressive thought and visionary discourse.
Six years may not seem long, but they represent a chapter of courage, commitment, and consistency for Horizon. It has been proven that meaningful dialogue can still flourish in the realm of politics. When truth is anchored in research and guided by empathy, it holds the power to shape nations. Magazines, when driven by a clear purpose, transcend their physical form. They evolve into movements, serve as guiding compasses, and offer both political and ethical solutions for parties and policymakers alike.
The ceremony to celebrate the RPPU and Horizon concluded with a solemn moment of silence in honour of the martyrs of the Jaffar Express tragedy in Quetta, followed by heartfelt prayers for the oppressed people of Gaza. The evening ended with a sumptuous Iftar dinner.
The writer, who holds an MPhil in English Literature, is an educationist and youth activist affiliated with the PML-N.
