KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its bullish momentum on Thursday as declining international crude oil prices and growing optimism surrounding a potential peace agreement between Iran and the United States continued to strengthen investor confidence, triggering broad-based buying across key sectors.
The benchmark KSE-100 Index gained 887.20 points, or 0.49 percent, to close at 181,398.22 points compared to the previous close of 180,511.02 points. The market remained firmly positive throughout the session, with the benchmark touching an intraday high of 181,869.34 points and a low of 181,045.34 points, indicating sustained investor appetite and continued institutional participation.
BRIndex100 closed at 20,166.68 points, gaining 154.59 points, or 0.77 percent, over the previous session, with a total turnover of 981.87 million shares. Meanwhile, BRIndex30 settled at 74,328.74 points, up 429.13 points, or 0.58 percent, on a turnover of 632.79 million shares.
According to Topline Securities, the local bourse witnessed another bullish trading session as investors maintained a positive stance throughout the day. The brokerage house noted that the upward momentum was primarily fuelled by the continued decline in international crude oil prices, which improved the macroeconomic outlook and strengthened investor confidence.
Topline further stated that growing optimism surrounding the anticipated signing of a peace agreement memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Iran and the United States, reportedly scheduled for Friday, also supported sentiment. The development raised hopes of easing geopolitical tensions in the region, encouraging risk-taking activity and broad-based buying across key sectors.
On the index contribution front, Topline Securities said Hub Power Company (HUBC), Service Industries (SRVI), Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC), Engro Holdings (ENGROH) and Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) emerged as the primary drivers of upside momentum, collectively contributing 679 points to the benchmark index’s gain.
Trading activity in the ready market remained strong, with volumes increasing to 1.242 billion shares from 1.231 billion shares in the previous session. However, the value of traded shares declined considerably to Rs58.01 billion from Rs69.22 billion a day earlier.
Market capitalization continued its upward trajectory, rising to Rs20.246 trillion from Rs20.125 trillion previously, reflecting an increase of approximately Rs120.72 billion.
Overall market breadth remained positive. In the ready market, 264 companies closed higher, 201 declined and 30 remained unchanged out of 495 active companies.
Kohinoor Spinning dominated trading activity in the ready market with a massive turnover of 230.18 million shares and closed at Rs6.98. K-Electric followed with 57.39 million shares, ending at Rs8.44, while WorldCall Telecom recorded a turnover of 56.13 million shares and closed at Rs1.31.
On the price performance front, PIA Holding Company Limited (B) emerged as the top gainer, rising by Rs446 to close at Rs17,900, followed by Service Industries Limited, which advanced by Rs185.80 to settle at Rs2,303.90. On the losing side, Sapphire Textile Mills Limited shed Rs39.80 to close at Rs1,449.17, while Indus Motor Company Limited declined by Rs22.17 to Rs2,059.43.
The BR Power Generation and Distribution Index emerged as the best-performing sector, surging by 754.64 points, or 2.59 percent, to close at 29,888.09 points with a turnover of 91.75 million shares.
The BR Cement Index gained 92.23 points, or 0.71 percent, to settle at 13,111.46 points on a turnover of 107.67 million shares. The BR Oil and Gas Index also remained positive, advancing by 32.89 points, or 0.21 percent, to close at 15,704.61 points with 75.20 million shares traded.
The BR Commercial Banks Index posted a marginal increase of 34 points, or 0.06 percent, to settle at 60,713.23 points with a turnover of 55.39 million shares. However, the BR Automobile Assembler Index declined by 202.27 points, or 0.70 percent, to close at 28,683.01 points, while the BR Tech and Communication Index edged down by 3.64 points, or 0.09 percent, to 4,044.21 points despite generating the highest sectoral turnover of 157.44 million shares.
Market participants are expected to closely monitor developments surrounding the anticipated US-Iran peace agreement, movements in international oil prices and domestic macroeconomic indicators, while the prevailing optimism could continue to support equities despite intermittent profit-taking.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026
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