KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) opened the week on a devastating note, with the benchmark KSE‑100 Index nosediving 2,092 points to 173,710.30 within the first half hour of trade. The sharp decline reflected widespread selling pressure, as all major indices slipped into the red.
Market data showed 13.6 million shares traded, valued at Rs638.6 million, across 11,217 transactions by 9:35am. Out of 566 active symbols, 270 declined, 54 advanced, and 242 remained unchanged — underscoring the breadth of the downturn.
By 9:40am, the KSE‑100 had clawed back slightly to 174,498.44, but remained down 1,304 points (‑0.75%), with losses persisting across the All‑Share, KSE‑30, KMI‑30, and Banking indices.
Domestic Strains Deepen
The market rout coincides with mounting unrest at home. Shopkeepers and goods transporters have announced strikes in protest against the latest fuel price hike, compounding inflationary pressures already squeezing households. The strike threatens to disrupt supply chains and further dampen consumer confidence, adding to the bleak domestic outlook.
Regional Tensions
Investor sentiment is also clouded by unrest in the Middle East, where escalating tensions have rattled global energy markets. Dealers warn that volatility in oil prices could worsen Pakistan’s import bill, aggravating inflation and current account concerns.
Analyst View
Analysts said Monday’s plunge reflects a combination of domestic discontent and external uncertainty. “The strike call by traders and transporters has heightened fears of supply disruption, while Middle East instability keeps energy markets volatile. Investors are defensive, with little appetite for risk,” one brokerage noted.
Indices Snapshot
| Index | Value | Change | % Change |
| KSE‑100 | 173,710.30 → 174,498.44 | ▼ ‑2,092 → ‑1,304 | ‑1.20% → ‑0.75% |
| All‑Share | 105,297.58 → 105,773.49 | ▼ ‑1,270 → ‑794 | ‑1.21% → ‑0.75% |
| KSE‑30 | 51,843.85 → 52,103.51 | ▼ ‑653 → ‑394 | ‑1.26% → ‑0.76% |
| KMI‑30 | 244,647.10 → 245,701.82 | ▼ ‑2,676 → ‑1,621 | ‑1.09% → ‑0.66% |
| Banking (BKTI) | 49,306.14 → 49,521.90 | ▼ ‑629 → ‑414 | ‑1.28% → ‑0.84% |
With domestic strikes underway and geopolitical tensions unresolved, dealers expect the PSX to remain volatile through the week. Market watchers caution that clarity on fiscal measures, IMF reviews, and regional stability will be critical in shaping investor confidence.
