SWABI, September 3: Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited (PMPKL) has completed its Skills Training Project 2026, providing vocational training to 964 young people from tobacco-growing communities in Swabi and Mardan.
A graduation and exhibition ceremony was held in Swabi to mark the completion of the programme, which aims to improve access to skills development, learning opportunities and future livelihood options for adolescents from contracted tobacco farming communities.
The initiative, launched in 2021, focuses on supporting community development by providing practical skills and creating alternative livelihood pathways for young people.
Youth receive vocational training and certifications
The 2026 programme trained a total of 964 adolescents aged between 13 and 17 years, including 481 boys and 483 girls.
According to PMPKL, boys received training in Building Electrician and Agricultural Sciences, while girls were trained in Tailoring, Embroidery, and Food Preparation and Preservation.
Participants will receive Trade Testing Board-accredited certificates along with starter toolkits, including sewing machines and electrician equipment, to help them use their newly acquired skills for future economic opportunities.
The ceremony featured an exhibition where trainees displayed products, projects and practical work developed during the training programme.
Officials highlight importance of youth skills development
The event was attended by Assistant Commissioner Tehsil Razar Sabeeha Hastam, Child Protection Officer Swabi Chan Zeb, Farm Manager Pakistan Tobacco Board Adil, representatives from the Trade Testing Board Peshawar and PMPKL management officials.
Addressing participants, Assistant Commissioner Sabeeha Hastam appreciated the initiative and highlighted the importance of creating skills-based opportunities for young people, particularly women.
She said access to education, vocational skills and economic opportunities can strengthen women’s financial independence and contribute to sustainable social and economic development.
PMPKL says nearly 5,000 youth trained since 2021
Speaking at the ceremony, PMPKL Director Leaf Abid Javed said the programme has trained nearly 5,000 boys and girls across tobacco-growing communities since its launch.
He said the initiative aims to improve employability, encourage entrepreneurship and support economic participation among young people.
“By working closely with government institutions, local administration, development partners and communities, we aim to create meaningful opportunities for adolescents and contribute to the long-term resilience and sustainable development of tobacco-growing communities,” Javed said.
The ceremony concluded with the distribution of certificates and recognition awards among graduates, marking another milestone in PMPKL’s community development and sustainability initiatives.