KARACHI: A broad-based selloff gripped the Pakistan Stock Exchange on Friday, as intensifying geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and fears of rising energy prices triggered a sharp risk-off sentiment, pulling key indices deep into the red. The benchmark KSE-100 Index extended its losing streak, closing at 151,707.52 points, down 1,200.45 or 0.79 percent. During the session, the index swung between a high of 153,660.89 points and a low of 151,457.95 points, reflecting heightened volatility.
The BRIndex100 closed at 16,952.50 points down 149.92 shares or 0.88 percent, with a total volume of 357.86 million shares. The BRIndex30 settled at 58,870.86, losing 775.18 shares or 1.3 percent, with a total volume of 211.03 million shares.
According to market analysts, investor anxiety over the inflationary impact of potential energy price shocks overshadowed buying interest, particularly in heavyweight sectors. Major drags on the index included Oil and Gas Development Company, Pakistan Petroleum Limited, National Bank of Pakistan, United Bank Limited, and Mari Petroleum Company, which collectively erased 614 points from the index.
Total market capitalization contracted significantly to Rs16.8 trillion, down from Rs17.04 trillion in the previous session, indicating an erosion of over Rs163.78 billion in investor wealth.
Market breadth remained negative. In the ready market, 126 companies advanced, 287 declined, and 65 remained unchanged, out of a total of 478 companies.
Trading activity weakened compared to the previous session. In the regular market, 435.51 million shares were traded, generating a turnover of Rs23.99 billion.
K-Electric Limited led the volume chart with 56.99 million shares, though its price slipped to Rs 6.93. Other active stocks included First National Equities Limited with 27.18 million shares, closing at Rs1.15, TPL REIT Fund I with 19.73 million shares closing at Rs8.31 while WorldCall Telecom Limited with 18.99 million shares closed at Rs1.19.
Among individual stocks, Allawasaya Textile & Finishing Mills Limited recorded the highest gain, surging by Rs140 to close at Rs1,540.00. On the losing side, Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited plunged by Rs412.00, ending at Rs24,581.00.
The Automobile Assembler Index fell to 22,026.65, down 219.10 million or 0.98 percent, with turnover of 1.67 million shares. The Cement Index to 1.4 percent to 10,060.97 points, with 21.53 million shares traded.
The Commercial Banks Index declined 196.13 points or 0.38 percent to 51,906.16, while the Power Generation and Distribution Index slipped 84.40 points or 0.33 percent to 25,145.73 shares.
The Oil and Gas Index recorded a sharp fall of 2.16 percent, closing at 13,268.74 points with 41.29 million shares traded. In contrast, the Tech & Communication Index was the lone gainer, rising 0.64 percent to 3,421.25 shares, with turnover of 39.08 million shares.
Analysts note that the persistent decline underscores a cautious investor stance, as market participants continue to retreat amid global uncertainty and inflationary concerns. Analysts suggest that unless geopolitical tensions ease and clarity emerges on energy price trajectories, the market is likely to remain under pressure in the near term.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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