PSX surges over 2,400 points in bullish session

The Pakistan Stock Exchange KSE-100 Index continued its strong bullish momentum on Friday, with the benchmark index rising sharply by more than 2,400 points during intraday trading.

The index climbed to around 172,365 points, reflecting a gain of approximately 2,453 points or 1.42% from the previous close of 169,911.95. During the session, it touched an intra-day high of 173,444.89, while the low was recorded at 170,758.25, indicating sustained buying interest across multiple sectors.

Market participation remained strong, with trading volume exceeding 330 million shares and total traded value crossing Rs29.6 billion. Market breadth was decisively positive, as 360 stocks advanced compared to 93 declines, while 112 remained unchanged out of a total of 565 listed shares.

Buying activity was broad-based, particularly in banking, fertiliser, energy, and selected textile stocks. Investor sentiment was supported by easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and expectations of continued foreign inflows into emerging markets.

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Positive momentum was also reinforced by the successful listing of the Government of Pakistan Hybrid Sukuk, which raised approximately Rs109–116 billion in its inaugural issuance. The development is being viewed as a significant step toward expanding Shariah-compliant financing and strengthening the domestic debt capital market.

Earlier in the week, the index had also shown strong gains, briefly crossing the 170,000 level during intraday trading sessions before profit-taking trimmed some advances. Despite volatility, the broader trend remained upward, supported by improving macroeconomic indicators and liquidity conditions.

Market analysts noted that key index-heavy stocks such as United Bank Limited, Oil and Gas Development Company, and The Hub Power Company contributed significantly to the rally, while some banking stocks saw mild profit-taking.

Overall, the trading pattern reflected sustained bullish sentiment, with investors continuing to position for macroeconomic stability and improved financial flows in the near term.