PSX Plunges Over 2,200 Points as Political Uncertainty Hits Investor Sentiment
KARACHI, PAKISTAN — WEB DESK: The Pakistan Stock Exchange came under heavy selling pressure on Monday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index losing more than 2,200 points as investors reacted to domestic political uncertainty, regional tensions and elevated energy prices.
Official PSX data at 12:52pm showed the KSE-100 at 165,891.20 points, down 2,264.29 points or 1.36% from its previous close.
Selling pressure was widespread across the market.
Of 569 stocks traded by that point, 397 declined, 78 advanced and 94 remained unchanged, reflecting strongly negative market breadth.
Total market volume stood at approximately 226.95 million shares, with traded value reaching around Rs8.12 billion. More than 176,000 trades had been executed.
The broader All Share Index also dropped 1,367.80 points, or 1.36%, to 100,453.45.
The KSE-30 Index declined 665.19 points, or 1.34%, to 49,486.42, while the KMI-30 fell 1.38%.
Energy-related equities faced particularly strong pressure, with the Oil and Gas Tradable Index declining 1.53%.
The sell-off accelerated significantly from the opening hours of Monday’s session, when the KSE-100 was initially down by more than 800 points.
Investor sentiment has remained fragile after Pakistani equities ended the previous trading week in negative territory.
The KSE-100 closed the week ended October 2 at 168,155.49 points, losing approximately 2,610 points or 1.53% on a weekly basis.
Political uncertainty at home has emerged as another concern for investors as tensions between the government and opposition remain elevated.
Regional geopolitical developments are also influencing risk appetite, while high international oil prices continue to raise concerns for Pakistan because of the country’s dependence on imported energy.
Brent crude remained above $100 a barrel on Monday despite moving lower as Middle East exports recovered and G7 nations prepared to release emergency energy stocks.
The combination of political uncertainty, geopolitical risks and elevated energy costs contributed to the risk-off mood at the local bourse.
Monday’s trading session remains underway, meaning the KSE-100 level and market statistics could change substantially before the closing bell.
Investors will now watch whether bargain hunting helps the index recover part of its losses or whether selling pressure persists through the remainder of the session.
