The Pakistan Stock Exchange extended its losses on Wednesday as the benchmark KSE-100 index fell 1,580.90 points, closing at 176,042.98, after Middle East tensions and elevated oil prices ignited broad-based selling.
In Karachi, the Pakistan Stock Exchange continued its downward trajectory, with the benchmark index closing lower after losing 1,580.90 points. Investor sentiment remained weak amid escalating regional geopolitical tensions and a spike in international crude prices.
Throughout the session, the benchmark experienced sharp fluctuations, reaching an intraday high of 176,935.03 and a low of 175,631.74 before closing 0.89 percent lower.
Topline Securities noted that trading remained highly volatile throughout the session as investors maintained a cautious stance. Broad-based selling across major sectors dominated the market, outweighing any selective buying interest, the broker added.
Stocks that significantly weighed down the index included United Bank Ltd, Lucky Cement, Engro Holdings, Hub Power, and Pakistan Petroleum, which collectively erased approximately 669 points from the benchmark.
Market trading activity notably eased, as share volume declined by 40.07 percent to 574 million and turnover fell by 38.96 percent to Rs25.36 billion.
Arif Habib Ltd stated that the market remained in a consolidation phase, with the index relinquishing a significant portion of its 7,241-point recovery gained on Monday. The bearish sentiment worsened after reports emerged that United States forces were targeted by Iran overnight, while Washington allied with Saudi Arabia conducted strikes against Tehran-backed militias in Iraq.
On the corporate front, Fauji Fertiliser announced a net profit of Rs24.4 billion for the second quarter of fiscal year 2026 (2QCY26), with earnings per share of Rs16.93, representing a 39 percent increase quarter-on-quarter. The company also declared a quarterly dividend of Rs14.50 per share, bringing the total payout ratio to 86 percent, up from Rs8.5 in the prior quarter.
Honda Atlas Cars (Pakistan) Ltd reported a profit-after-tax of Rs2,486 million for the first quarter of fiscal year 2027 (1QMY27), translating to earnings per share of Rs17.41. This represents a threefold increase year-on-year from Rs828 million (Rs5.80 per share) in 1QMY26, and a 2.5-fold improvement quarter-on-quarter from Rs1,008 million (Rs7.06 per share) in 4QMY26.
