Philip Morris (Pakistan) Limited (PMPKL) on Sunday announced to reorganise its green leaf buying and processing establishments. This exercise is part of an ongoing strategic review to optimise process efficiencies and operational effectiveness and to best position the company for strong and viable future growth.

The significant rise in Pakistan's illicit cigarette trade has negatively impacted sales of tax-paid cigarettes. This has consequently affected PMPKL's green leaf buying. This reorganisation will affect 54 employees in the green leaf buying and processing establishments, all of whom will be offered generous packages that will far exceed what is required by law. Commenting on the announcement, Alexander Reisch, Managing Director PMPKL, said: "It is very regrettable that employees will be affected as we adjust our operations in response to market dynamics. All affected staff in our leaf buying and processing establishments will be treated fairly and we will provide assistance to them.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2017