As part of its commitment to social sustainability and the well-being of tobacco-growing communities, Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited (PMPKL) celebrated the successful completion of its Skills Training Project 2026 with a graduation and exhibition ceremony in Swabi.
Since its launch in 2021, the Skills Training Project has become a key component of PMPKL’s efforts to support the elimination of child labour risks in tobacco-growing communities by expanding access to skills development, learning opportunities, and future livelihood pathways for adolescent children of its contracted tobacco farmers. By investing in the children of contracted tobacco farmers, and helping them build practical capabilities, the initiative contributes to stronger, more resilient communities and a more sustainable agricultural value chain.
The ceremony brought together trainees, trainers, government representatives, contracted farmers, and PMPKL management to celebrate achievements of the young participants who successfully completed vocational training during 2026.
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 members of PMPKL’s management team.
The event commenced with an exhibition showcasing products, projects, and practical skills developed by the trainees showcasing their prowess and knowledge acquired during the training, followed by a plenary session featuring presentations and videos highlighting the program’s progress and impact. In 2026, a total of 964 adolescents aged 13 to 17 years, including 481 boys and 483 girls, successfully completed the vocational skills training. Boys received training in Building Electrician and Agricultural Sciences, while girls were trained in Tailoring, Embroidery, and Food Preparation & Preservation. All participants will receive Trade Testing Board-accredited certificates along with starter toolkits, including sewing machines and electrician toolkits, enabling them to apply their newly acquired skills and pursue future economic opportunities.
Addressing the gathering, Ms. Sabeeha Hastam, Assistant Commissioner Tehsil Razar, commended PMPKL’s commitment to community development and highlighted the importance of creating opportunities for young people, particularly females. She noted that access to skills and economic opportunities enhances women’s financial independence and strengthens their role in household and community decision-making, contributing to sustainable social and economic development.
Speaking at the occasion, Abid Javed, Director Leaf PMPKL, said: “Since its launch in 2021, the Skills Training Project has empowered nearly 5,000 boys and girls across PMPKL’s tobacco-growing communities with practical, market-relevant skills that strengthen employability, entrepreneurship, and economic participation. We congratulate our graduates and trainers and remain committed to investing in young people as part of our broader sustainability agenda. By working closely with government institutions, local administration, development partners, and communities, we aim to create meaningful opportunities for adolescents to pursue when they grow up, address underlying factors associated with child labour risks, and contribute to the long-term resilience and sustainable development of tobacco growing communities.”
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates and recognition awards to the graduates, celebrating their achievements and marking another milestone in PMPKL’s ongoing efforts to promote employability, economic inclusion, and sustainable livelihoods across Pakistan’s tobacco-growing communities.
