Summary Pakistan stock market plunged below 163,000 points, closing at 162,994 after heavy losses. High trading volumes persisted while Asian markets showed mixed performance.
LAHORE (Dunya News) – Pakistan’s stock market witnessed a sharp downturn on Thursday, with the benchmark index slipping below the psychological level of 163,000 points amid heavy selling pressure at the start of trading.
The benchmark KSE-100 Index at the Pakistan Stock Exchange opened on a negative note and quickly recorded a steep decline of more than 4,000 points during early trading hours. The index dropped to an intraday low of 161,461 points, reflecting widespread bearish sentiment across key sectors.
Although the market managed to recover some of its losses later in the session, the overall trend remained negative. By the close of trading, the KSE-100 Index settled at 162,994 points, marking a decline of 2,829 points compared to the previous session.
Market activity remained relatively strong despite the downturn. A total of 366.13 million shares were traded during the day, with a cumulative value of approximately Rs28.13 billion. Analysts noted that the high trading volume indicated continued investor participation, even as prices fell sharply.
The latest decline follows a weak performance in the previous session, when the market had already closed lower by 2,588 points at 165,823. The continued downward trend has raised concerns among investors, with many attributing the losses to profit-taking, economic uncertainty, and cautious sentiment ahead of key financial developments.
Financial experts suggest that volatility in the market may persist in the short term, particularly as investors remain sensitive to macroeconomic indicators, policy signals, and global financial trends. The sharp drop below the 163,000-point level is being viewed as a significant technical breach, which could influence investor behaviour in the coming sessions.
Meanwhile, stock markets across Asia presented a mixed picture. According to international market data, Indonesia’s Jakarta Composite Index recorded a modest gain of 0.41 per cent, signalling relative stability in that market. Similarly, China’s Shanghai Composite Index posted a slight increase, indicating cautious optimism among investors.
In contrast, other major Asian indices faced downward pressure. Japan’s Nikkei Index declined by 1.31 per cent, reflecting weaker investor sentiment, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index fell by 1.23 per cent amid broader regional uncertainty.
Market observers note that global economic factors, including inflation concerns, interest rate expectations, and geopolitical developments, continue to influence investor confidence across international markets. These external pressures, combined with domestic economic challenges, have contributed to the volatility seen in Pakistan’s equity market.
The recent performance of the Pakistan Stock Exchange highlights the fragile nature of investor confidence, as sudden shifts in sentiment can lead to significant market swings. Analysts advise investors to exercise caution and closely monitor market developments, particularly in times of heightened uncertainty.
Despite the current downturn, some experts remain optimistic about the long-term outlook of the market, citing underlying economic potential and structural reforms. However, they emphasise that short-term fluctuations are likely to persist as the market adjusts to evolving economic conditions.
