KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended gains for a second consecutive session on Thursday, with bargain hunters capitalizing on attractive valuations to drive the benchmark KSE-100 index above the 178,000-point threshold.
According to Topline Securities Ltd, the index staged a broad-based recovery, building on Wednesday’s rebound as improved investor sentiment took hold. Easing geopolitical concerns and renewed appetite for blue-chip stocks enabled the market to recover a substantial portion of the losses incurred earlier in the week.
The KSE-100 closed at 178,123.57 points, up 2,837.78 points, or 1.62 percent. The index remained in positive territory throughout the session, hitting an intraday high of 178,431 points and a low of 175,672 points, underscoring sustained buying interest across key sectors.
Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Ltd, noted that the market maintained its upward momentum as investors continued to build positions. Media reports suggesting a potential resumption of dialogue between the United States and Iran bolstered overall risk appetite, he added.
Geopolitical optimism fuels recovery rally for second session
On the corporate front, Lotte Chemical Pakistan Ltd announced its second-quarter results for the calendar year 2026, reporting earnings per share of Rs1.87—a 192 percent increase quarter-on-quarter. The company also declared a cash dividend of Rs1.50 per share.
Heavyweights including Engro Holdings, United Bank, Meezan Bank, Hub Power, Lucky Cement, Fauji Fertiliser, Habib Bank, MCB Bank, Fatima Fertiliser, and National Bank attracted significant buying, collectively contributing 1,490 points to the benchmark’s advance.
Trading activity picked up notably, with volumes rising 26.23 percent to 736.9 million shares and total turnover surging 32.88 percent to Rs34.5 billion. Lotte Chemical led the volume chart with 70.0 million shares traded.
Analysts say market direction will remain sensitive to geopolitical developments. Continued progress in U.S.-Iran negotiations, alongside the ongoing corporate earnings season, could provide further support and help sustain the current recovery.
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