KARACHI: Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) staged a powerful recovery on Wednesday as renewed diplomatic momentum in the Middle East and softening global oil prices triggered broad-based buying across sectors, lifting the benchmark KSE-100 Index by more than 4,300 points in one of the strongest single-day performances in recent weeks.
The KSE-100 Index settled at 158,313.45 points, gaining 4,347.08 points or 2.82 percent from the previous close of 153,966.36 points. The index traded within an intraday range of 158,586.09 points to 155,199.71 points, indicating sustained buying interest throughout the session.
BRIndex100 closed at 17,767.60 points, gaining 483.26 points or 2.80 percent, with a total volume of 509.40 million shares. BRIndex30 surged by 2,352.64 points or 3.93 percent to settle at 62,200.10 points, with a traded volume of 281.37 million shares.
According to Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Limited, investor sentiment strengthened on the back of easing geopolitical tensions, as Pakistan’s diplomatic outreach aimed at facilitating dialogue between the United States and Iran fueled optimism around a potential regional de-escalation. Reports of a proposed 15-point peace framework and the subsequent decline in international oil prices further reinforced bullish sentiment in the energy-sensitive local market.
Heavyweight stocks including Meezan Bank, Fauji Fertilizer Company, Systems Limited, Lucky Cement, Hub Power Company, MCB Bank, Mari Petroleum, Bank Alfalah, United Bank, and Engro Holdings led the rally and collectively contributed 2,410 points to the KSE-100 Index, highlighting strong participation from index-heavy constituents.
Trading activity expanded significantly compared to the previous session. Ready market volume jumped to 612.36 million shares from 375.34 million shares a day earlier, while traded value climbed to Rs34.60 billion, up from Rs22.98 billion.
Market capitalization increased to Rs17.58 trillion, reflecting an expansion of Rs432.16 billion in a single session—one of the largest daily increases in recent months.
The session recorded one of the strongest breadth readings of the week. In the ready market, 363 companies advanced, 77 declined, and 49 remained unchanged out of 489 traded scrips.
Unity Foods led the volumes chart with 72.63 million shares, closing at Rs8.57. K-Electric followed with 36.66 million shares, closing at Rs7.80. Fauji Cement recorded 26.07 million shares and closed at Rs41.98, while First National Equities traded 24.82 million shares to settle at Rs1.23. Nishat Chun Power saw activity of 24.39 million shares, closing at Rs64.65, while Pakistan International Bulk Terminal recorded 22.16 million shares to settle at Rs15.45.
Among companies reflecting increase in rates, Hoechst Pakistan Limited surged by Rs271.58 to close at Rs4,251.33, while Indus Motor Company Limited gained Rs41.10 to settle at Rs1,838.04. On the downside, Pakistan Engineering Company Limited declined by Rs58.92 to close at Rs538.56, while Service Industries Limited fell by Rs29.26 to settle at Rs1,470.74.
The BR Automobile Assembler Index rose by 252.79 points or 1.12 percent to close at 22,854.92 points, with turnover of 4.58 million shares. The BR Cement Index climbed by 496.51 points or 4.88 percent to settle at 10,662.04 points, with traded volume of 64.65 million shares, reflecting strong demand in cement stocks amid improving construction outlook.
The BR Commercial Banks Index advanced by 1,401.61 points or 2.66 percent to close at 54,007.32 points, while the BR Power Generation and Distribution Index gained 840.94 points or 3.30 percent to settle at 26,339.76 points, posting the highest sectoral turnover at 80.41 million shares.
The BR Oil and Gas Index rose by 330.31 points or 2.42 percent to close at 13,991.66 points, while the BR Technology and Communication Index led percentage gains, climbing 194.38 points or 5.83 percent to settle at 3,525.94 points with traded volume of 54.34 million shares.
Market participants believe the near-term trajectory of the PSX will remain closely tied to geopolitical developments and diplomatic progress in the Middle East. Continued easing in global oil prices and sustained diplomatic engagement could provide further upside, while any reversal in the geopolitical environment may reintroduce volatility into the market.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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