Karachi: A wave of optimism swept the Pakistan Stock Exchange on Tuesday as strong buying pushed the benchmark KSE-100 Index sharply higher at the opening bell. Investors reacted positively to emerging reports suggesting possible de-escalation in the Middle East.
At 9:30 am, the index climbed to 157,441 points, gaining 4,702 points or 2.96 percent. However, as trading progressed, investors began booking profits, which trimmed gains significantly. By 10:35 am, the index stood at 154,796 points, still up 2,055 points or 1.33 percent.
Meanwhile, reports of potential diplomatic progress, including mediation efforts by Pakistan and Türkiye, boosted market confidence. These developments raised hopes that high-level talks could take place in Islamabad later this week, easing geopolitical tensions.
Buying activity remained strong across major sectors, including automobile assemblers, cement, commercial banks, oil and gas exploration, oil marketing companies, and power generation. Consequently, index-heavy stocks such as DGKC, HBL, MCB, FFC, MARI, OGDC, POL, PPL, and PSO traded in positive territory.
In contrast, the market had faced sustained pressure in recent weeks. The KSE-100 Index extended its losing streak to eight consecutive weeks, reflecting investor caution amid geopolitical uncertainty and mixed domestic economic signals.
Last week alone, the index declined by 1,126 points, or 0.73 percent, closing at 152,740 points. Therefore, Tuesday’s rally signaled a potential shift in sentiment, driven largely by external developments rather than internal economic changes.
Overall, analysts noted that continued stability in global conditions could support further recovery, although volatility may persist in the short term.
