KARACHI: Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) sustained its bullish momentum on Thursday, with the index closing higher as improving geopolitical sentiment and expectations of renewed US–Iran negotiations fueled aggressive buying across the board.
The KSE-100 Index exhibited robust performance during the session, gaining 1,392.01 points or 0.83 percent to close at 169,911.95 points, compared to the previous close of 168,519.94 points. The index touched an intraday high of 170,899.16 points and a low of 168,941.31 points, reflecting steady upward momentum supported by strong investor participation.
The BRIndex100 closed at 19,221.44 points, gaining 217.18 points or 1.14 percent compared to the previous close, with total traded volume of 736.08 million shares. Similarly, the BRIndex30 increased by 765.63 points or 1.14 percent to close at 68,118.02 points, with total volume of 440.43 million shares.
According to Topline Securities, the local bourse remained firmly in bullish territory, with sentiment anchored in optimism over a potential resumption of US–Iran negotiations following earlier inconclusive talks. The easing geopolitical overhang triggered a risk-on rally, encouraging investors to rebuild positions aggressively across sectors.
The Topline Sales Desk noted that key index-heavy stocks including UBL, OGDC, HUBC, PPL, ENGROH, and FFC collectively contributed 1,013 points to the benchmark’s advance, highlighting strong institutional participation in blue-chip stocks.
Overall market activity remained strong, though slightly lower than the previous session. The ready market recorded a turnover of 972.71 million shares, compared to 1.21 billion shares in the previous session, while traded value stood at Rs 43.93 billion, down from Rs 59.42 billion.
Market capitalization increased to Rs 18.80 trillion from Rs 18.61 trillion, reflecting a gain of approximately Rs 191.39 billion during the session.
Market breadth remained strongly positive, with 307 companies advancing, 139 declining, and 43 remaining unchanged out of a total of 489 companies traded in the ready market.
Trading activity in the ready market was led by Unity Foods Limited, which recorded a turnover of 70.58 million shares and closed at Rs 9.36. K-Electric Limited followed with 53.10 million shares, closing at Rs 7.81, while Hascol Petroleum traded 46.29 million shares and closed at Rs 19.00.
Among major price movers, Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited recorded a significant increase of Rs 270.25 to close at Rs 26,498.90, while Blessed Textiles Limited gained Rs 123.49 to close at Rs 1,433.27. On the downside, PIA Holding Company LimitedB declined by Rs 244.33 to close at Rs 18,243.00, while Service Industries Limited fell by Rs 23.32 to settle at Rs 1,644.45.
Sector-wise, performance remained largely positive. The BR Automobile Assembler Index closed at 25,886.62 points, up 196.23 points or 0.76 percent, with turnover of 4.25 million shares. The BR Cement Index was the only major laggard, declining by 11.64 points or 0.10 percent to close at 11,974.67 points, with trading volume of 36.07 million shares.
The BR Commercial Banks Index gained 288.16 points or 0.50 percent to settle at 58,282.77 points, with turnover of 61.19 million shares. The BR Power Generation and Distribution Index posted a gain of 478.75 points or 1.70 percent to close at 28,634.50 points, with trading volume of 88.26 million shares.
The BR Oil and Gas Index emerged as a key outperformer, rising by 288.01 points or 1.99 percent to settle at 14,783.99 points, with turnover of 106.52 million shares. The BR Technology and Communication Index closed at 3,730.81 points, up 7.08 points or 0.19 percent, with total volume of 96.86 million shares.
Overall, Thursday’s session reflected strong bullish sentiment at the PSX, supported by easing geopolitical concerns, institutional buying in heavyweight stocks, and improved investor confidence. The continuation of positive momentum indicates sustained recovery in market sentiment, although global developments and geopolitical cues are expected to remain key drivers of near-term market direction.
Copyright Business Recorder, 2026