KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) opened the new quarter with a powerful rally on Wednesday morning, as the benchmark KSE-100 index surged 4,142 points, or 2.71 per cent, to reach 152,886.14 by 9:40am. The broader All-Share Index rose 2,352 points (2.57pc) to 91,427.11, while the KSE-30 gained 1,361 points (2.93pc). The KMI-30 and BKTI also posted strong gains, rising 2.86pc and 3pc respectively.
The PSX’s bullish opening appears to be driven by renewed investor optimism following US President Donald Trump’s statement that the war in Iran could end within “two to three weeks” and that American forces may withdraw soon. The remarks, widely reported overnight, have eased geopolitical concerns that had weighed heavily on regional markets in recent weeks.
The KSE-100 index, which had shed over 20,000 points since the onset of the Iran conflict, rebounded sharply as investors rushed to re-enter positions across key sectors. The advance–decline ratio reflects broad-based buying, with autos, cement, and industrials leading the charge.
Analysts on the trading floor noted that while geopolitical risks remain, the tone of Trump’s statement and other positive developments in the region including the staff level agreement with IMF have provided a psychological boost to sentiment. “Markets are forward-looking,” said one broker. “Even a hint of de-escalation is enough to trigger a relief rally.”
Trading activity was brisk, with over 36 million shares exchanged in 22,619 transactions, generating Rs2.59 billion in turnover. Market breadth was overwhelmingly positive, with 322 symbols advancing, only 29 declining, and 215 remaining unchanged out of a total of 566.
The automobile assembler sector led the rally. Sazgar Engineering soared Rs.62.4 to Rs.1,690 on heavy volumes of over 85,000 shares. Indus Motor Company rose Rs.35.15 to Rs.1,845, while Atlas Honda Ltd gained Rs.37.29 to Rs.1,570. Ghandhara Industries and Ghandhara Automobile added Rs13.32 and Rs.7.6 respectively. Honda Atlas Cars climbed Rs.5.44 to Rs.157, and Dewan Motors rose Rs.0.67 to Rs.15.15. Millat Tractors and AL-Ghazi Tractors also posted modest gains. Hinopak Motors was the only decliner in the segment.
In the automobile parts and accessories sector, Exide Pakistan jumped Rs.15.4 to Rs.428.8, while Atlas Battery added Rs.5.21 to Rs.190.01. Treet Battery rose Rs.0.39 to Rs.9.85 on strong volumes of nearly 340,000 shares. Panther Tyres, Loads Limited, and Agriautos Industries also posted gains.
The cable and electrical goods segment mirrored the bullish trend. Pakistan Cables rose Rs.9.77 to Rs.150, Pak Elektron gained Rs.1.05 to Rs.34.25, and Waves Corp Ltd added Rs.0.27 to Rs.9.73. Fast Cables and Waves Home Appliances also advanced.
Cement stocks rallied across the board. Lucky Cement surged Rs.16.1 to Rs.372.96 on volumes of over 500,000 shares. Maple Leaf Cement gained Rs.3.13 to Rs.76.66, while D.G. Khan Cement rose Rs.6.59 to Rs.158.3. Bestway, Cherat, Kohat, and Pioneer Cement also posted strong gains, with Flying Cement up Rs.1.56 to Rs.42.1.
