KARACHI: Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed an extraordinary and historic trading session on Wednesday, driven by strong investor optimism following a major geopolitical breakthrough and broad-based buying across sectors.
The benchmark KSE-100 Index surged by an unprecedented 14,137.55 points or 9.32 percent to close at 165,811.01 points, compared to the previous close of 151,673.46 points. The index traded within a wide intraday range, touching a high of 165,924.14 points and a low of 162,956.77 points, reflecting intense bullish momentum throughout the session.
The BRIndex100 closed at 18,683.82 points, gaining 1,695.67 points or 9.98 percent, with total traded volume of 980.19 million shares, while the BRIndex30 surged by 5,972.25 points or 10.18 percent to settle at 64,663.26 points, with turnover of 743.18 million shares.
According to, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Ltd, PSX witnessed a historic rally, marking the largest-ever point gain in its history. He noted that the market opened on a jubilant note following a major geopolitical breakthrough, wherein Pakistan successfully brokered a two-week ceasefire and is set to host initial United States–Iran talks in Islamabad, significantly strengthening Pakistan’s regional standing and prospects for long-term stability.
He added that easing geopolitical risks triggered a sharp market response, including a temporary trading halt after an 8.7 percent intraday surge, while the rebound followed an approximate 10 percent correction since February 28, 2026, leaving valuations attractive across key index heavyweights.
On the stock-specific front, Fauji Fertilizer Company, United Bank Limited, Engro Holdings, Hub Power Company, Oil and Gas Development Company, Meezan Bank, Lucky Cement, Habib Bank Limited, MCB Bank, and Pakistan Petroleum collectively contributed approximately 7,211 points to the index rally.
Overall market activity surged sharply, with total ready market turnover rising to 1.25 billion shares compared to 357.27 million shares in the previous session, while traded value jumped to Rs54.40 billion from Rs20.44 billion. Market capitalization witnessed a substantial increase, rising to Rs18.32 trillion from Rs16.86 trillion, reflecting a massive gain of approximately Rs1.47 trillion during the session.
Market breadth remained overwhelmingly positive, with 448 companies closing higher, 16 declining, and 27 remaining unchanged out of a total of 491 traded companies in the ready market.
Among the most actively traded stocks in the ready market, First National Equities led with an exceptional 212.31 million shares, closing at Rs1.58, followed by K-Electric Limited with 127.32 million shares, closing at Rs7.96. WorldCall Telecom recorded 97.31 million shares, closing at Rs1.36, while Cnergyico PK posted 76.76 million shares, closing at Rs7.85.
Among companies reflecting increase in rates, PIA Holding Company LimitedB surged by Rs1,600.00 to close at Rs17,600.01, while Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited gained Rs1,196.97 to settle at Rs25,998.00. On the losing side, Supernet Technologies Limited declined by Rs9.84 to close at Rs88.55, while 786 Investments Limited fell by Rs4.96 to settle at Rs44.69.
The BR Automobile Assembler Index rising by 1,878.99 points or 8.55 percent to 23,851.36 points, with turnover of 2.86 million shares. The BR Cement Index increased by 997.33 points or 9.79 percent to 11,188.21 points, with traded volume of 24.14 million shares, while the BR Commercial Banks Index gained 4,867.16 points or 9.34 percent to close at 56,987.66 points, with 59.86 million shares traded.
The BR Power Generation and Distribution Index advanced by 2,527.81 points or 10.04 percent to 27,694.38 points, with turnover of 158.12 million shares, while the BR Oil and Gas Index climbed 1,218.43 points or 9.06 percent to 14,661.30 points, with traded volume of 67.95 million shares. The BR Technology and Communication Index also posted a strong gain of 324.93 points or 9.62 percent to settle at 3,701.66 points, with turnover of 178.71 million shares.
Analysts say overall, the session marked a historic milestone for the Pakistan Stock Exchange, as unprecedented gains driven by easing geopolitical tensions, strong institutional participation, and aggressive value hunting propelled the market to record highs, with broad-based strength visible across all sectors and segments.
Looking ahead, Ali Najib stated that sustained de-escalation could ease global commodity prices, particularly oil, thereby improving inflation outlook and attracting fresh inflows into the market.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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