Pakistan’s equity market extended its bullish momentum on Friday as the benchmark KSE-100 Index climbed close to 1,100 points in a robust afternoon session, reflecting investor confidence bolstered by supportive government measures and sector-specific optimism.
At around 3:55 pm, the KSE-100 index was trading at 131,776.46, marking a substantial gain of 1,089.81 points or 0.83 percent. The session was characterized by vigorous buying interest in major sectors such as automobile assemblers, cement, commercial banks, oil marketing companies, and power producers.
Heavyweights like Hub Power Company (HUBCO), Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC), Waves Singer Pakistan (WAFI), Honda Atlas Cars (HCAR), Habib Bank Limited (HBL), MCB Bank, and Meezan Bank (MEBL) all saw their shares trading firmly in the green, driving much of the benchmark’s surge.
This fresh rally followed Thursday’s upbeat session where the index surged by 342 points, or 0.26 percent, to close at a then record high of 130,686.66 points. Market sentiment was strongly underpinned by a series of government policy moves, including a reduction in National Savings Scheme rates and lowered industrial electricity tariffs. Additionally, renewed momentum around the privatisation agenda for state-owned enterprises has further encouraged investors, adding to hopes of structural economic improvements.
Analysts noted that these measures have provided much-needed clarity and reassurance to the market, particularly at a time when liquidity remains robust and corporate earnings across key sectors are holding steady. This combination of policy support and healthy economic indicators has kept investors upbeat, driving consistent participation across both institutional and retail segments.
While Pakistan’s market continued to shine, the broader Asian equity landscape presented a mixed picture on Friday. Most regional markets struggled despite record-high closes for major Wall Street indexes overnight. Japan’s Nikkei managed a modest rise of 0.3 percent, while Hong Kong’s Hang Seng dropped 1.3 percent, and China’s blue chips slipped slightly. Taiwan’s benchmark lost early gains to dip 0.2 percent, and South Korea’s KOSPI fell over 1 percent, underscoring cautious investor mood ahead of upcoming global trade discussions.
US markets were closed on Friday in observance of Independence Day, but Thursday’s shortened session brought cheer to Wall Street, with all three major indices hitting new closing highs. Investors took heart from a stronger-than-expected US jobs report, while lawmakers narrowly approved President Donald Trump’s sprawling $3.4 trillion spending package. This fiscal move would significantly expand the US debt footprint, but markets appeared more focused on the immediate growth implications.
Looking ahead, global investors remain watchful as Trump’s deadline for finalizing trade deals with key partners approaches on July 9. Any developments on this front could influence global risk sentiment and in turn impact emerging markets like Pakistan.
For now, the Pakistan Stock Exchange’s strong run, led by key sectors and buoyed by proactive domestic policies, continues to paint a positive outlook for equities, with traders eyeing further gains provided macroeconomic stability holds. This sustained momentum underscores how local fundamentals and timely government interventions can propel market performance even amid an uncertain international backdrop.