PMPKL Skills Training Project Empowers 964 Youth in Tobacco-Growing Communities

Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited (PMPKL) has celebrated the successful completion of its Skills Training Project 2026 with a graduation and exhibition ceremony in Swabi.

The initiative supports social sustainability and community development in tobacco-growing areas. It also aims to address child labour risks by expanding access to skills development and future livelihood opportunities.

Since its launch in 2021, the programme has supported adolescent children of PMPKL’s contracted tobacco farmers. The company says the project helps young people develop practical skills and prepare for future economic opportunities.

In 2026, a total of 964 adolescents aged 13 to 17 successfully completed vocational training. The group included 481 boys and 483 girls.

Young trainees complete vocational training

The training programme offered different skills based on the participants’ areas of study.

Boys received training in Building Electrician and Agricultural Sciences. Meanwhile, girls received training in Tailoring, Embroidery, and Food Preparation & Preservation.

The graduates will receive certificates accredited by the Trade Testing Board. They will also receive starter toolkits to help them apply their newly acquired skills.

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The toolkits include sewing machines for relevant trainees and electrician toolkits for participants completing electrical training.

PMPKL said the programme aims to improve employability, entrepreneurship and economic participation among young people in tobacco-growing communities.

Exhibition highlights trainees’ skills

The graduation ceremony brought together trainees, trainers, government representatives, contracted farmers and PMPKL management.

The event began with an exhibition featuring products and projects created by the trainees. The exhibition demonstrated the practical knowledge they gained during their training.

A plenary session followed the exhibition. It included presentations and videos highlighting the programme’s progress and impact.

The ceremony was attended by Ms Sabeeha Hastam, Assistant Commissioner Tehsil Razar; Mr Chan Zeb, Child Protection Officer Swabi; Mr Adil, Farm Manager, Pakistan Tobacco Board; representatives of the Trade Testing Board, Peshawar; and PMPKL management members.

Officials praise opportunities for young people

Ms Sabeeha Hastam praised PMPKL’s community development efforts during the ceremony.

She highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for young people, particularly girls.

Hastam said access to skills and economic opportunities can strengthen women’s financial independence. She added that such opportunities can also increase their role in household and community decision-making.

According to her, these efforts can support sustainable social and economic development.

PMPKL highlights five-year impact

Speaking at the event, Abid Javed, Director Leaf at PMPKL, said the project has empowered nearly 5,000 boys and girls since its launch in 2021.

He said the initiative provides practical and market-relevant skills. These skills can strengthen employability, entrepreneurship and economic participation.

Javed congratulated the graduates and trainers for their achievements.

He also said PMPKL remains committed to investing in young people as part of its wider sustainability agenda.

According to Javed, cooperation with government institutions, local administrations, development partners and communities remains important.

He said such collaboration can create meaningful opportunities for adolescents as they prepare for adulthood. It can also help address factors associated with child labour risks.

Certificates and awards mark project milestone

The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates and recognition awards to the graduates.

The event marked another milestone in PMPKL’s efforts to promote employability and economic inclusion in Pakistan’s tobacco-growing communities.

The company said its skills development initiatives aim to support sustainable livelihoods and strengthen community resilience.

PMPKL also reiterated its focus on working with stakeholders to create opportunities for young people and contribute to the long-term development of tobacco-growing communities.