Islamabad (Zahid Yaqoob Khawaja): Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited (“PMPKL”), in its pursuit of a smoke-free future for Pakistan has undertaken the localization of tobacco-free nicotine pouches, ZYN, at the company’s state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Sahiwal.

A group of journalists recently visited the factory and engaged with the operations team in Sahiwal to understand PMPKL’s operational footprint in Pakistan and gain insight on PMPKL’s manufacturing practices. The delegation was provided an overview of PMPKL’s commitment to responsible manufacturing practices regarding its cigarette manufacturing and nicotine pouches secondary manufacturing processes, its adherence to international health, safety and environmental standards including advanced fire-prevention infrastructure, real-time environmental monitoring systems, and stringent hygiene protocols, and PMPKL’s environmental sustainability initiatives, including water stewardship.

The visit also provided the journalists an opportunity to understand how PMPKL is advancing the concept of tobacco harm reduction in Pakistan through smoke-free products. This transformation aligns with the smoke-free vision of its parent company, Phillip Morris International (“PMI”) which believes in technology and science and has worked for almost two decades to develop, assess, and—more recently—commercialize alternatives to cigarettes. These products are not risk-free and are addictive but represent a better choice for adults than continuing to smoke.

During the visit, the delegation was briefed on the localization progress of nicotine pouches, which began earlier this year, and additionally observed the cigarette production process, from manufacturing using advanced European technology and machinery, to the operation of FBR’s Track & Trace system for tax compliance and fully automated production lines that ensure consistency, compliance with PMI’s operational excellence, quality standards, and occupational health and safety.

“Our commitment to Pakistan is purpose-driven. The localization of Zyn marks a key step in our transformation journey, one rooted in science, innovation and PMI’s global vision to deliver a smoke-free future. The best choice for any smoker is to completely quit cigarettes. However, many don’t and we aim to provide alternatives which are not risk-free and are addictive but represent a better choice for adults who would otherwise continue to smoke”, said Director Manufacturing of PMPKL.