KARACHI: Pakistan’s stock market opened sharply lower on Tuesday, with all major indices slipping into the red as investors digested the government’s latest austerity measures and rising fuel costs.
At 9:35 AM, the benchmark KSE-100 Index was down 1.03 percent, shedding 1,534 points to stand at 14,973. The broader All Share Index fell 0.80 percent, while the KSE-30 and KMI-30 dropped 1.24 percent and 1.15 percent respectively. The Banking Index also lost 1.18 percent. Trading volume stood at 7.98 million shares, with a value of Rs383 million across 6,459 trades.
Market breadth reflected the bearish mood: 167 scrips declined against only 75 that advanced, while 323 remained unchanged out of a total of 565.
The downturn comes a day after Islamabad announced early closure of markets as part of energy-saving measures, a move that has drawn criticism from the trading community already struggling with weak demand. Rising fuel prices have further squeezed businesses, undermining hopes that Pakistan’s diplomatic goodwill with both Washington and Tehran might ease economic pressures.
Analysts said investor sentiment was clouded not only by domestic policy shifts but also by the bleak regional outlook. With no truce in sight in ongoing conflicts, expectations of a ceasefire remain dim, adding to uncertainty across the board.
“Traders are facing a double blow — reduced business hours and higher operating costs. The market is simply reflecting that frustration,” commented one brokerage official.
Market analysts believe the current sell-off underscores the fragile state of Pakistan’s economy, where policy interventions and external shocks continue to weigh heavily on confidence. Observers warn that unless relief measures are introduced, volatility is likely to persist in the days ahead.
