KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) eked out gains for the second consecutive session on Tuesday, though investor sentiment remained volatile amid geopolitical and economic uncertainty, as surging diesel and petrol prices increased business costs and fuelled inflationary pressures.
Topline Securities Ltd said the KSE-100 index closed at 171,402.08 points, up 248.92 points, or 0.15 per cent. The index reached an intraday high of 171,680.74 points and an intraday low of 170,866.94.
Market sentiment remained supported by easing international oil prices and expectations of potential US-Iran de-escalation, which eased concerns about inflation and Pakistan’s external account. However, ongoing geopolitical uncertainty kept investors cautious and limited broader market gains.
Mari Energies, Pakistan Petroleum, Hub Power, Fauji Cement Company Ltd, and Lucky Cement were the major contributors to the index, collectively adding 233 points. By contrast, Bank Al-Habib, Fauji Fertiliser, and MCB Bank were the main drags, collectively shaving around 172 points.
Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Ltd, said market sentiment was initially fragile. However, value hunters lifted the index as Saudi Arabia sought to resume flows through a vital pipeline, while diplomatic efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz gained momentum.
Media reports suggest that Iran has offered to reopen the strait within seven days if the US eases military pressure and lifts its blockade, as Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian arrived in New York for the 81st UN General Assembly.
On the corporate front, Sitara Petroleum Service Ltd reported FY26 earnings of Rs4,976 million (EPS: Rs3.0), up 69pc YoY. 4QFY26 earnings declined 10pc YoY to Rs570m (EPS: Rs0.3), mainly due to inventory losses, lower GO supplies and the absence of volumetric discounts. Dealer margins remained unchanged at Rs8.64 per litre, and the company announced a final cash dividend of Re1 per share.
Investor participation weakened as the trading volume dipped 7.36pc to 641.8m shares and the traded value declined 8.13pc to Rs18.4bn.
Published in Dawn, September 23rd, 2026
