KARACHI: Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) sustained its strong upward momentum on Friday as aggressive institutional buying propelled benchmark indices sharply higher, while trading activity remained vibrant.
The benchmark KSE-100 Index closed at 179,034.93 points, posting a hefty gain of 2,679.44 points or 1.52 percent over the previous session’s close of 176,355.49 points. The index moved within a wide range during the session, hitting an intraday high of 179,467.84 points and a low of 176,709.52 points, reflecting sustained buying interest throughout the trading day.
The BRIndex100 closed at 19,169.73, up 362.21 points or 1.93 percent, with a total volume of 835.64 million shares. Meanwhile, the BRIndex30 gained 736.88 points or 1.22 percent to close at 61,060.05, with a total volume of 515.34 million shares.
According to the Topline Market Review, the market continued its bullish run, largely driven by fresh buying from local institutional investors on new fund allocations. Investor interest remained pronounced in the fertilizer sector, while index-heavy stocks played a decisive role in lifting the benchmark. UBL, EFERT, ENGROH, PPL, OGDC, and FFC emerged as the top contributors, collectively adding 1,663 points to the KSE-100 Index.
Market participation stayed healthy across all segments. In the ready market, total turnover stood at 1.113 billion shares, compared to 1.403 billion shares recorded in the previous session. The value of shares traded rose sharply to Rs64.34 billion, up from Rs48.42 billion, while market capitalization increased to Rs20.21 trillion from Rs19.97 trillion, showing an expansion of over Rs244 billion during the day.
On the volume leader board in the ready market, Bank of Punjab led with a turnover of 102.55 million shares, closing at Rs42.33, followed closely by K-Electric Limited, which traded 100.90 million shares and closed at Rs6.35. Other actively traded stocks included Media Times Limited, Pakistan International Bulk Terminal, Pakistan Qatar Family Takaful, Pakistan Refinery Limited, WorldCall Telecom, Cnergyico, Bank Makramah, and Crescent Star Insurance, indicating widespread investor participation.
Among notable price movers, PIA Holding Company Limited (Class B) posted a sharp rise of Rs2,149.46 to close at Rs23,644.10, while Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited gained Rs149.94, ending the session at Rs28,999.99. On the losing side, Rafhan Maize Products Company Limited declined by Rs80.86 to close at Rs10,013.47, while Sunrays Textile Mills Limited shed Rs14.53, finishing at Rs143.71.
Sector-wise, the BR Automobile Assembler Index closed at 24,882.91, posting a gain of 212.84 points or 0.86 percent, with a turnover of 1.95 million shares. The BR Cement Index closed lower at 13,746.79, down 92.40 points or 0.67 percent, with a turnover of 25.56 million shares.
The BR Commercial Banks Index recorded strong gains, closing at 54,909.03, up 1,231.67 points or 2.29 percent, with a turnover of 167.82 million shares. Meanwhile, the BR Power Generation and Distribution Index rose 103.69 points or 0.38 percent to close at 27,634.97, with a turnover of 152.60 million shares.
The BR Oil and Gas Index advanced 307.15 points or 2.04 percent to 15,347.67, with total volume of 62.34 million shares, while the BR Technology and Communication Index edged up 8.22 points or 0.19 percent to close at 4,302.97, recording a turnover of 144.76 million shares.
Overall, the session ended on a strong note as institutional-led buying, broad-based sectoral participation, and rising market capitalization underpinned the bullish close across Pakistan’s equity market.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026