The Pakistan Stock Exchange turned volatile on Tuesday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index losing ground as selling spread across key sectors.
By 12:25pm, the index had fallen by 268 points to 163,680.30. The decline deepened later in the session, with the market dropping 883.66 points, or 0.54 percent, to 163,065.28 by 1:09pm.
The day saw a wide trading range, with the index touching a high of 164,339.04 and a low of 162,532.98. Trading activity remained strong, with volumes crossing 103 million shares.
Selling seen in major sectors
Pressure was visible in automobile assemblers, commercial banks, oil marketing companies and power generation stocks. Heavyweight names including HUBCO, PSO, SNGPL, HBL, NBP and UBL remained under pressure and pulled the index lower.
Market participants appeared cautious, weighing both local and global risks. Pakistan’s trade deficit crossed $4 billion in April 2026, driven by a rise in imports, according to official data. The widening gap has raised concerns about external financing needs in the coming months.
At the same time, global uncertainty added to investor caution. Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continued, with the US and Iran exchanging strikes while also signalling efforts to ease the situation. The route remains critical for global oil shipments, and any disruption could push energy costs higher.
Mixed activity in broader market
Among active stocks, Bank of Punjab, SSGC and WorldCall Telecom saw steady trading, though most remained under pressure. On the gaining side, Dawood Fibres and Quice Food Industries posted notable gains, while several mid-cap stocks hit their upper limits.
However, losses dominated the broader market. Stocks such as First Capital Investment Bank, JS Global Capital and others recorded sharp declines, with some touching their lower limits.
Global cues remain uncertain
Internationally, Asian markets moved lower, reflecting investor caution. Oil prices eased slightly but remained above $100 per barrel, keeping pressure on import-dependent economies like Pakistan.
A day earlier, the PSX had closed higher, gaining 954 points as early buying lifted sentiment. However, that momentum faded quickly, with fresh geopolitical concerns and rising economic risks limiting investor confidence.
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