KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) benchmark KSE-100 Index extended losses on Friday, shedding 1,200.45 points (a 0.79 per cent decline) to close at 151,707.52 points, down from 152,907.97 points in the previous session, according to official data.
The index traded between a high of 153,660.89 and a low of 151,457.95. During the session, the market recorded a trading volume of 435.51 million shares with a traded value of Rs23.99 billion, compared to 521.63 million shares worth Rs27.14 billion in the previous session.
Market capitalisation declined to Rs16.89 trillion from Rs17.05 trillion a day earlier.
According to Topline Securities, the KSE-100 index extended its downward trend as growing investor concerns over Middle East tensions and their potential impact on rising energy prices heightened inflation risks.
Top negative contribution to the index came from OGDC, PPL, NBP, UBL and MARI, as they cumulatively contributed -614 points to the index.
Out of the 478 active companies in the ready market, 126 advanced, 287 declined, while 65 remained unchanged.
According to Ali Najib, deputy head of trading at Arif Habib Ltd, the PSX witnessed a profit-taking in the last session of the week as the KSE-100 Index witnessed profit-taking in the final session of the week, declining by 1,200 points (-0.79 per cent) to close at 151,708.
The market opened on a positive note, gaining 478 points in the morning session, driven by improved sentiment following a 10-day pause announcement by US President Donald Trump. However, momentum reversed in the latter half, as broad-based selling erased early gains, leading to a negative close of 1,200 points
On the corporate front, OGDC reported a gas discovery at Bilitang-1 ST-1 (Kohat) from the Lumshiwal Formation, with tested production of 26.5 mmcfd. The discovery is expected to contribute approximately Rs0.42/0.66/4.8 per share annually to OGDC/PPL/POL, respectively, supporting earnings outlook.
From a macro perspective, March 2026 CPI is projected at 7.6 per cent YoY (+1.5 per cent MoM), indicating a mild uptick in inflationary pressures. Meanwhile, Barrick Mining Corporation’s decision to slow progress at the Reko Diq project, citing security concerns, may dampen sentiment in the E&P space. In addition, the government’s assured of adequate petroleum stocks for April and beyond provides comfort on the supply front.
Index-wise, major laggards including OGDC, PPL, NBP, UBL, MARI, BAHL, PSO, LUCK, HBL and EFERT collectively shaved 908 points off the benchmark.
Market activity remained relatively subdued, with total volumes clocking in at 421 million shares and turnover at Rs23.8 billion, where K-Electric led the volumes with 56.9 million shares traded.
“Going forward, Middle East developments over the weekend will remain the key trigger, as unpredictable geopolitical news flow is likely to shape the near-term direction of the KSE-100 Index next week,” Najib said.
Out of 318 futures-market companies, 56 advanced, 259 declined, while three remained unchanged.
