PSX Gains 575 Points as Energy Stocks Lift KSE-100 to 177,167
KARACHI, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) ended the latest session higher, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index gaining nearly 575 points as late-session buying in oil, gas and refinery stocks helped the market overcome an otherwise subdued start.
The KSE-100 closed at 177,166.52 points, up 574.76 points, or 0.33%, after trading largely sideways during the first half of the session.
Buying momentum strengthened later in the day, pushing the benchmark to an intraday high of 177,583, although it remained below a key technical resistance zone watched by market analysts.
Energy-related shares were among the main drivers of the advance, with Oil and Gas Development Company (OGDC), Hub Power Company (Hubco) and Attock Refinery contributing significantly to the index’s gains.
According to Arif Habib Limited (AHL), the KSE-100 continued to face resistance in the 178,000–180,000 range. The brokerage said a sustained move above that zone would be needed to strengthen the market’s near-term bullish outlook.
Energy Stocks Drive PSX Higher
OGDC gained 1.99%, Hubco rose 1.25%, while Attock Refinery advanced 5.09%, according to the market review.
Service Industries, Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) and Mari Energies also supported the benchmark.
Topline Securities said OGDC, Hubco, Attock Refinery, Service Industries, PPL and Mari Energies collectively contributed about 494 points to the KSE-100.
The gains highlight the strong influence of energy-sector stocks on the benchmark during the session.
United Bank, Bank of Punjab and Thal Limited were among the shares exerting downward pressure, with Thal falling more than 5%.
The broader market nevertheless finished with a positive bias.
Of the 493 companies whose shares were traded, 246 advanced, 216 declined and 31 remained unchanged.
Trading Volume Rises to 689 Million Shares
Overall market activity also improved.
Total trading volume increased to approximately 689 million shares, compared with 665 million shares in the previous session.
The value of shares traded stood at approximately Rs35.66 billion.
Cnergyico PK was the day’s volume leader, with about 250 million shares changing hands. The stock gained Rs1.26 to finish at Rs14.45.
Pakistan Refinery followed with approximately 31 million shares, rising Rs8.25 to close at Rs90.97.
K-Electric recorded trading volume of around 27 million shares and closed unchanged at Rs7.15.
In terms of traded value, Cnergyico led with approximately Rs3.5 billion, followed by OGDC at Rs2.38 billion, PPL at Rs1.95 billion, Hubco at Rs1.65 billion, Pakistan State Oil at Rs1.55 billion and Attock Refinery at Rs1.27 billion, according to Topline Securities.
Foreign Investors Turn Net Buyers
Foreign investors were net buyers during the session, purchasing shares worth approximately Rs125 million, according to National Clearing Company data cited in the market report.
The inflow came as investors continued to assess both domestic political developments and changing geopolitical conditions.
Market participants were also monitoring developments surrounding Iran and potential US sanctions because of their implications for international oil markets and energy-sector valuations.
Despite the positive close, analysts remained cautious about declaring a decisive technical breakout.
AHL said the KSE-100’s inability to clear the 178,000–180,000 resistance band meant that further confirmation would be required before the market’s short-term outlook could become significantly stronger.
The session therefore ended with a constructive but measured tone: energy stocks supported the benchmark, trading activity improved and market breadth remained positive, but the index still faces an important technical test immediately above current levels.
