Philip Morris Pakistan Completes Skills Training Project 2026

SWABI: (Finance Reporter) – Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited (PMPKL) has marked the successful completion of its Skills Training Project 2026, with 964 adolescents from tobacco-growing communities completing vocational training during the year.

A graduation and exhibition ceremony was held in Swabi to celebrate the achievements of the young participants and highlight the practical skills they acquired through the initiative.

Launched in 2021, the Skills Training Project forms part of PMPKL’s broader social sustainability efforts aimed at addressing risks associated with child labour in tobacco-growing communities. The programme provides adolescent children of contracted tobacco farmers with access to vocational training, learning opportunities and potential livelihood pathways.

The 2026 programme trained 964 adolescents aged between 13 and 17, comprising 481 boys and 483 girls. Boys received instruction in building electrician skills and agricultural sciences, while girls were trained in tailoring, embroidery, and food preparation and preservation.

Upon completion, participants will receive certificates accredited by the Trade Testing Board, along with starter toolkits designed to help them put their newly acquired skills into practice. The equipment includes sewing machines for relevant trainees and electrician toolkits for those completing electrical training.

The ceremony brought together trainees, trainers, government officials, representatives of the Pakistan Tobacco Board and Trade Testing Board, contracted tobacco farmers and PMPKL management.

The event began with an exhibition where graduates displayed products and projects demonstrating the skills they had developed. A plenary session followed, featuring presentations and videos highlighting the programme’s progress and impact.

Among the attendees were Assistant Commissioner Tehsil Razar Sabeeha Hastam, Child Protection Officer Swabi Chan Zeb, Farm Manager Pakistan Tobacco Board Adil, representatives of the Trade Testing Board, Peshawar, and members of PMPKL’s management.

Addressing the gathering, Sabeeha Hastam praised PMPKL’s focus on community development and stressed the importance of creating greater opportunities for young people, particularly girls. She noted that access to skills and economic opportunities can strengthen women’s financial independence and increase their participation in household and community decision-making.

Abid Javed, Director Leaf at PMPKL, said the initiative had equipped nearly 5,000 boys and girls with practical skills since its launch in 2021. He said the company would continue working with government institutions, local administrations, development partners and communities to expand opportunities for young people and support the long-term resilience of tobacco-growing communities.

The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates and recognition awards to the graduates, marking another milestone in PMPKL’s efforts to promote vocational skills, economic inclusion and sustainable livelihood opportunities.