The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a robust recovery on Friday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index climbing 3,264.91 points to close at 159,997.78 during intra-day trading, representing a 2.08% gain. The index maintained positive momentum throughout the session, peaking at an intra-day high of 160,024.57 points, while the intra-day low stood at 158,195.54 points, reflecting a gain of 1,462.67 points from the previous close.
The market’s bullish trend followed a day of decline, where the KSE-100 had dropped 1,732 points (-1.09%) to close at 156,733 amid investor concerns triggered by heightened regional tensions after stalled Islamabad–Kabul talks. The renewed optimism on Friday was largely attributed to the extension of the Pakistan-Afghanistan ceasefire following discussions in Istanbul. This diplomatic development eased fears of cross-border instability and revived investor confidence, prompting renewed buying interest across multiple sectors.
Trading activity was notably active, with a total traded volume of 152.59 million shares for the KSE-100 Index. Among the top gainers, Pak Elektron Limited (PAEL) led the surge with a 9.22% increase, followed by S S Oil Mills Ltd (SSOM) at 8.11%, Pakistan Telecommunication Company Ltd (PTC) at 6.04%, Thal Limited (THALL) at 4.71%, and Systems Limited (SYS) at 4.35%. On the other hand, top losers included HBL Growth Fund (HGFA) down 1.38%, TPL REIT Fund I (TPLRF1) at -1.32%, Pakistan Aluminium Beverage Cans Limited (PABC) at -0.13%, Murree Brewery Company Limited (MUREB) at -0.06%, and DH Partners Limited (DHPL) at -0.02%.
Sector-wise, banking, technology, and cement emerged as the leading contributors to the rally. Key performers in the banking sector included NBP (+3.74%), AKBL (+3.55%), and HBL (+3.14%), while PTC (+6.04%) represented the technology sector’s strong showing, and FCCL (+3.98%) led the cement sector. The collective gains across these sectors signaled renewed investor confidence and a more optimistic outlook for Pakistan’s financial markets.
Market analysts suggest that the PSX’s rebound reflects the sensitivity of investor sentiment to geopolitical developments. The extension of the ceasefire has mitigated immediate concerns over regional stability, allowing market participants to focus on economic fundamentals and corporate performance. The rally also underscores the importance of cross-border diplomacy in shaping investor behavior and influencing trading volumes in Pakistan’s capital markets.
The strong performance on Friday highlights the resilience of Pakistan’s stock market amid short-term geopolitical disruptions. As investors continue to monitor regional developments, sectors such as banking, technology, and cement are expected to remain key drivers of market activity, supporting the broader recovery in the equity market.
Overall, the PSX’s intra-day surge demonstrates renewed optimism among investors and a positive market sentiment, setting the tone for potential sustained gains in the near term.
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