KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) remained under pressure by mid‑day Thursday, with the benchmark KSE‑100 Index sliding 1,907 points, or 1.12 percent, to 16,971.96 as investors digested the absence of U.S.–Iran talks in Islamabad and the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz under a U.S. blockade.
By 12:50 p.m., the broader All‑Share Index had dropped 970 points to 101,407.35, while the KSE‑30 fell 735 points to 51,369.28. The KMI‑30 shed 2,740 points to 243,363.22, and the Banking Index was down 841 points, or 1.76 percent, to 47,821.33.
Trading activity remained brisk, with more than 643 million shares changing hands in 252,149 transactions, generating a value of Rs16.06 billion. Out of 564 active symbols, 191 advanced, 265 declined, and 108 remained unchanged, reflecting a market tilted toward caution.
Analysts said the sharp losses underscore fading investor confidence after hopes for a second round of peace talks in Islamabad failed to materialize. “The market is reacting to both the diplomatic stalemate and the Gulf blockade, which has disrupted energy flows and heightened regional risks,” a brokerage note observed.
Traders noted that while Pakistan’s reserves have recently been bolstered by Saudi inflows, the immediate sentiment on the trading floor is one of disappointment, with investors reluctant to take fresh positions until clarity emerges on diplomacy and energy stability.
For now, the KSE‑100’s mid‑day slide highlights how quickly optimism has given way to caution, as geopolitical tensions continue to weigh heavily on equities.
