Pakistan Stock Exchange: A Tough Day for Investors
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) hit a rough patch on Thursday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index diving by 1,732 points, or 1.09%, closing at 156,733. This marks a troubling new low, breaking the previous record of 158,443 set just a few weeks ago on October 13, 2025. Investor sentiment is understandably shaky, particularly after the recent collapse of diplomatic talks between Islamabad and Kabul, which has sparked concerns over cross-border trade and economic stability.
As Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Ltd., noted, this diplomatic setback has fueled a sense of risk aversion, leading to notable institutional selling across key sectors. What started off as a promising session—where the index briefly jumped to an intraday high of 159,507—quickly lost traction. Profit-taking from investors pushed the market deep into the red by the end of the day.
Heavyweight stocks like Engro Corporation (ENGRO), Bank of Punjab (BOP), and Systems Limited (SYS) notably contributed to the index’s sharp decline, collectively knocking off 1,538 points. However, it’s worth mentioning that trading activity remained robust, with 846.8 million shares changing hands, amounting to Rs37.5 billion. BOP topped the volume charts, seeing 84.1 million shares traded.
What does this all mean for the future of the PSX? Analysts are cautious but hopeful. They mention that regaining a foothold above the 160,000 mark in the week’s final session could stabilize investor confidence, hinting at a potential turnaround. On the flip side, failing to rebound could expose the market to further declines in the coming sessions.
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