KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange’s (PSX) benchmark KSE-100 index soared 14,137.55 points, or 9.32 per cent, on Wednesday, closing at 165,811.01.
The market recorded the highest single day increase amid two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran. The market was also halted for a brief time due to an increase in the KSE-30 index above 5.0 per cent.
The index touched an intraday high of 165,924.14 and a low of 162,956.77, while the KSE-30 index gained 4,381.57 points, or 9.54 per cent, to settle at 50,320.4.Ali Najib, deputy head of trading at Arif Habib Ltd, said the PSX witnessed a historic rally, marking the largest-ever point gain in its history.
The market opened on a jubilant note, rising 7.85 per cent, following a major geopolitical breakthrough wherein Pakistan successfully brokered a two-week ceasefire and is set to host initial US-Iran talks in Islamabad. “This development significantly strengthens Pakistan’s regional standing and underscores prospects for long-term stability, peace and security,” he said.
During the session, the index responded sharply to easing geopolitical risks, triggering a temporary trading halt after an 8.7 per cent intraday surge. The strong rebound follows an approximate 10 per cent correction since the escalation of tensions on February 28, 2026, leaving valuations across key index heavyweights at attractive levels.
“Looking ahead, sustained de-escalation or a formal settlement could pave the way for a meaningful correction in global commodity prices, particularly oil, easing inflationary pressures. This improving macro backdrop is likely to uplift investor sentiment, attract fresh inflows, and drive a broad-based, sustainable recovery at the PSX,” Najib said.
Shares traded in the ready market rose sharply to 1.245 billion from 357.269 million in the previous session, an increase of 248.6 per cent. Traded value climbed 166.2 per cent to Rs54.404 billion from Rs20.437 billion, while market capitalisation increased 8.7 per cent to Rs18.323 trillion from Rs16.856 trillion.
Market breadth was overwhelmingly positive, with 448 companies advancing, 16 declining and 27 finishing unchanged out of 491 traded.The top gainer was PIA Holding Company Limited, which rose Rs1,600 to close at Rs17,600.01, followed by Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited, which added Rs1,196.97 to end at Rs25,998.
Among decliners, Supernet Technologies Limited fell Rs9.84 to close at Rs88.55, while 786 Investments Limited shed Rs4.96 to finish at Rs44.69.According to Topline Sales Desk, the equity market roared back in spectacular fashion, as news of a US-Iran ceasefire sparked a surge of optimism across trading floors. With Islamabad set to host peace talks on April 10, investors rapidly repriced geopolitical risk, shifting sentiment from caution to conviction within hours.
The rally gained further traction as international oil prices declined sharply, easing macro concerns and fuelling a strong risk-on sentiment. This potent mix of diplomatic relief and softer energy costs drove aggressive buying, particularly in cyclical heavyweights.
Heavyweight names including UBL, FFC, ENGROH, HUBC, OGDC and MEBL led the charge, collectively contributing 4,538 points to the index’s rise.In essence, the market finally found its long-awaited trigger where easing geopolitics converged with macroeconomic relief—decisively tilting the scales in favour of the bulls and reigniting risk appetite across the board.
F Nat Equities led turnover with 212.312 million shares, gaining 42 paisas to close at Rs1.58. K-Electric Limited was second with 127.319 million shares, advancing 97 paisas to Rs7.96.Other turnover leading companies were WorldCall Telecom, Cnergyico PK, Trust Brokerage, BO Punjab, Pak Int. Bulk, Pak Refinery, Unity Foods Limited and Telecard Limited.In the futures market, 310 companies increased and two declined out of 312 traded in the market.
