KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange witnessed a mixed sentiment but managed to close in the green zone with a slight increase. The benchmark KSE-100 index rose by 138 points amid renewed interest from investors.
The benchmark KSE-100 index increased by 138.2 points, or 0.08 per cent, to 166,283.55 points from 166,145.35 points recorded in the last session. The highest index of the day remained at 166,837.1 points, while the lowest level was recorded at 165,886.26 points.
Ali Najib, an analyst at Arif Habib Ltd, said the PSX extended its consolidation phase as the KSE-100 index closed on a flattish note at 166,284 points, up 138 points or 0.08 per cent. Throughout the session, the benchmark moved in both directions within a narrow 951-point band.
On the corporate front, Service Industries surged to its upper circuit (+Rs157.8; 10 per cent) after announcing a board meeting other than financial results scheduled for tomorrow at 10am. Meanwhile, Fatima Fertilizer (+Rs1.41; 0.94 per cent) notified the PSX that its subsidiary, Fatima Petroleum, has partnered with MARI and Turkish Petroleum to cover two offshore blocks.
Among major movers, SRVI, PIOC, PTC, ENGROH and PPL collectively contributed 288 points to the index, while FFC, PSEL, MARI, UBL and MEBL cumulatively eroded 605 points.“Going forward, as we head into the last session of the week, the market is expected to rebound toward the weekly high of 169,289 before making another attempt at a new all-time high. On the downside, the 165-166k zone is likely to act as a key support area,” he said.
The KSE-30 index, however, closed lower by 14.33 points, or 0.03 per cent, to 50,481.85 points from 50,496.18 points.Traded shares rose by 14 million shares to 607.79 million shares from 593.078 million shares. The trading value dropped to Rs31.224 billion from Rs44.424 billion. Market capital expanded to Rs18.948 trillion against Rs18.915 trillion. Of the 477 companies active in the session, 203 closed in green, 223 in red and 51 remained unchanged.
The highest increase was recorded in Service Industries Limited, which rose by Rs157.80 to Rs1,735.80 per share, followed by PIA Holding Company Limited B, which increased by Rs145.67 to Rs24,379 per share. A significant decline was noted in Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited, which fell by Rs382.33 to Rs28,542.67 per share. Pakistan Services Limited followed it, which closed lower by Rs95.55 to Rs1,331.5 per share.
Maaz Mulla, an analyst at Topline Securities, said that after a heavy spell of institutional selling in Wednesday’s session, the local bourse staged a welcome recovery. The benchmark index touched an intraday high of 691 points before closing at 166,283, up 138 points or 0.08 per cent, reflecting renewed buying interest and improved intraday sentiment.
On the news front, confidence strengthened after the Prime Minister announced that the bidding process for the privatisation of Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) will be broadcast live on national television on 23rd December 2025. This development sparked notable investor interest in PIAHCLA, which traded with healthy volumes throughout the day.
Lalpir Power remained the volume leader with 108.918 million shares, which closed lower by Rs1.57 to Rs24.33 per share. PIA Holding Company with 37.829 million shares, followed it, which closed higher by Rs3.62 to Rs41.61 per share.
Other significant turnover stocks included PTCL, F Nat Equities, Thatta Cement, WorldCall Telecom, Pace (Pak) Ltd., Bank Makramah, K-Electric Ltd and Engro Polymer.In the futures market, 316 companies recorded trading, 131 of which increased, 183 decreased and 2 remained unchanged.
