KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its rally on Wednesday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index soaring by 2,931.71 points, or 1.66 per cent, to close at 180,014.93, driven by broad-based buying across key sectors and improved investor sentiment.
The benchmark index traded within a range of 1,690.3 points during the session, touching an intraday high of 180,202.39 and a low of 178,512.09. The KSE-30 Index also gained 985.50 points, or 1.87 per cent, to settle at 53,821.81.
Ali Najib, deputy head of trading at Arif Habib Ltd, said PSX witnessed a strong session, reclaiming the 180k level on a closing basis after a gap of 16 trading sessions, last seen on July 10, 2026.
The market opened on a positive note and remained in the green throughout the session, closing comfortably above the 180,000 mark. The rally was primarily driven by a sharp decline in international oil prices, which have fallen more than 9 per cent since Tuesday’s peak, as optimism grew over the resumption of US-Iran talks, raising hopes for a diplomatic resolution to the ongoing conflict.
On the macro front, Pakistan has reportedly requested China to refinance a $1.3 billion commercial loan, with the funds expected to be received later this month once the terms and conditions are finalised.
“Going forward, improving geopolitical sentiment, lower international oil prices, and expectations of continued macroeconomic stability are likely to support investor confidence. However, developments in the US-Iran negotiations and the ongoing corporate earnings season will remain the key near-term catalysts for market direction,” said Najib.
Overall market activity remained strong. Ready market turnover rose to 740.56 million shares from 711.27 million shares in the previous session, while traded value surged to Rs35.91 billion from Rs25.87 billion. Market capitalisation increased to Rs20.09 trillion from Rs19.83 trillion.Market breadth remained firmly positive, with 303 stocks advancing, 158 declining and 35 remaining unchanged out of 496 traded companies in the ready market.
Trust Brokerage led the volume chart with 52.88 million shares, followed by WorldCall Telecom with 42.52 million shares, Cnergyico PK with 40.20 million shares and Bank of Punjab with 40.11 million shares. Other actively traded stocks included Unity Foods Ltd, TPL Properties, Samba Bank, Pakistan Refinery, Dadabhoy Cement and Pakistan International Bulk Terminal.
According to Topline Sales Desk, the local bourse extended its winning momentum as bullish sentiment prevailed throughout the trading session, driven by improving geopolitical relations between the US and Iran. The continued decline in international oil prices further bolstered investor confidence, triggering broad-based buying across key sectors. Optimism was also supported by expectations that softer oil prices could help ease inflationary pressures and improve Pakistan’s external account outlook.
On the index contribution front, HBL, UBL, MEBL, ENGROH, and FFC emerged as the top contributors, collectively adding approximately 1,293 points to the benchmark index.Among the day’s top gainers, PIA Holding Company Limited (B) climbed Rs336 to close at Rs17,896, while The Thal Industries Corporation Limited added Rs121.67 to end at Rs1,408.39. On the losing side, Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited shed Rs86 to close at Rs25,300 while Khyber Textile Mills Limited declined Rs59.78 to Rs1,981.32.
Activity in the futures market also remained upbeat, with 315 contracts traded. Of these, 266 advanced, 41 declined and eight remained unchanged.
