KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Wednesday witnessed strong buying interest at attractive valuations, propelling the benchmark KSE-100 index above 171,000 intraday before closing well below the day’s high, posting modest gains and snapping a two-session losing streak.
Topline Securities Ltd said the index rallied over 1,892 points to hit an intraday high of 171,492.53 on selective buying but pared most gains amid profit-taking and geopolitical concerns over the US-Iran conflict, closing at 169,969.33 points, up 368.92 points, or 0.22pc.
Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Ltd, said the PSX experienced a positive trading session but failed to sustain gains above the key psychological level of 170,000, thereby ending September below the milestone.
During the session, the benchmark remained in positive territory, reaching an intraday high of 171,492.53 before losing momentum amid renewed selling pressure, which pushed the index below 170,000 by the close.
On the macro front, the Ministry of Finance unveiled a Strategic Action Plan for the Local Currency Bond Market, aimed at improving secondary-market liquidity, broadening the investor base and strengthening the rupee-denominated securities framework.
Meanwhile, according to media reports, Pakistan is considering allowing power plants and other private companies to directly import LNG, as the government seeks to strengthen energy supplies without adding pressure on state finances.
Habib Bank, Meezan Bank, Lucky Cement, Fatima Fertiliser, Fauji Fertiliser, Engro Holdings, Engro Fertiliser, United Bank, Systems Ltd and Mari Energies collectively added 467 points.
Investor participation improved over the previous session, with trading volume rising 4.08pc to 591.23 million shares, while total turnover edged up to Rs20.19bn.
Analysts said near-term sentiment was likely to remain volatile and range-bound, with 170,000 acting as a key psychological pivot. Sustained buying above 170,000 could revive momentum towards 171,500-172,500, while failure to hold the level may expose the index to 169,000-168,000.
They added that the International Monetary Fund review, Middle East geopolitical developments and crude oil prices would remain key catalysts for market direction.
Published in Dawn, October 1st, 2026
