The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) continued its downward trajectory on Thursday, with the benchmark KSE-100 index plunging 1,732 points, or 1.09 percent, to close at 156,733, marking a new closing low and surpassing the previous low of 158,443 recorded on October 13, 2025.
Investor confidence remained fragile amid escalating regional tensions following the breakdown of Islamabad-Kabul talks, which dampened hopes for cross-border trade and economic stability. “The diplomatic setback has fueled risk aversion and triggered institutional selling in key sectors,” said Ali Najib, deputy head of trading at Arif Habib Ltd.
Read: The PSX extends its bearish run and plunges 2,063 points
The session initially opened on a positive note, with the index hitting an intraday high of 159,507 points (+1,042 points or +0.66%) on selective buying. However, momentum fizzled as widespread profit-taking took the market deep into negative territory at the close.
Heavyweight counters including Engro Corporation (ENGRO), Bank of Punjab (BOP), Systems Limited (SYS), United Bank Limited (UBL), MCB Bank (MCB), Thal Limited (THALL), Bank Alfalah (BAFL), Mari Petroleum (MARI), Service Industries (SRVI) and Pakistan Petroleum (PPL) collectively wiped 1,538 points from the benchmark index.
Learn more: PSX extends losing streak as index plunges 2,062 points
Despite this decline, overall activity remained robust, with 846.8 million shares traded, worth Rs37.5 billion. BOP led volumes with 84.1 million shares changing hands.
Analysts noted that the index’s slide below the 157,000 level reflects continued bearish sentiment. “A recovery above 160,000 in the final session of the week will be crucial to restore investor confidence and hint at near-term stabilization,” they added. “Failure to rebound could expose the market to further declines in coming sessions.”
