KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) experienced another volatile session on Tuesday, with bears taking control after an initial rally failed to sustain momentum, as investors opted to lock in profits amid ongoing economic uncertainty.

According to Topline Securities Ltd, the market saw erratic movements as the bulls were unable to maintain early gains. The index opened on a positive note, climbing to an intraday high of 183,216.67, a gain of 876 points. However, the rally was short-lived, and selling pressure quickly emerged, flipping the market into the red. The bears dominated the second half of the session, dragging the index to a low of 181,499.29, a loss of 841 points, before it settled at 182,153, down by 186 points or 0.10 per cent.

Heavy selling in key stocks such as Habib Bank Ltd, TRG Pakistan, K-Electric, Askari Bank Ltd, and Bank Alfalah contributed 461 points to the index’s decline. However, selective buying in stocks like Engro Holdings, Lucky Cement, Fauji Fertiliser Company, and Hub Power helped cushion the loss, adding 738 points to the index. Despite this, the overall trend remained negative.

Market participation was robust, with 1.062 billion shares traded, but the traded value fell by 35.65 per cent to Rs37.8 billion. K-Electric led the volume charts, with 253 million shares changing hands.

Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Ltd (AHL), described the session as one of consolidation, with the benchmark index fluctuating within a narrow range, reflecting cautious investor sentiment.

Despite positive economic data, including a rise in remittance inflows and strong auto sales, the market was unable to end its three-day downturn. Remittances for the seven months of FY26 increased by 11pc year-on-year to $23.2 billion, with January’s remittances rising 15pc year-on-year to $3.5bn. However, a 4pc month-on-month dip suggested a short-term moderation.

Car sales surged to 23,055 units in January, a 36pc year-on-year increase and a 74pc rise from December, marking a 43-month high.

Analysts expect the market to continue consolidating within the 180,000-190,000 range, with heightened volatility in the near term.

Published in Dawn, February 11th, 2026