KARACHI: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) opened on a positive note on Thursday, with the benchmark KSE-100 index rising 1,486 points, or 0.87 per cent, to 170,006.74 in pre-open trading. The KSE-30 gained 1pc, the KMI-30 advanced 1.12pc, and the banking sector index (BKTI) added 0.71pc, reflecting broad-based strength across sectors. Early data showed 91 scrips advancing against only 10 declining, while 464 remained unchanged.
Investor sentiment was buoyed by a series of encouraging developments.
The White House declared Pakistan as the sole mediator in ongoing efforts to ease tensions between Washington and Tehran, a move seen as elevating Islamabad’s diplomatic profile. US President Donald Trump indicated that a deal with Iran was close, reinforcing hopes of progress within the next 48 hours.
Domestically, Saudi Arabia pledged billions of dollars in financial support, adding to the $3 billion loan already secured earlier this week, and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) praising Pakistan’s economic reforms, noting improvements in fiscal discipline and structural adjustments.
Analysts said these endorsements have strengthened investor confidence, providing a rare alignment of diplomatic recognition and financial backing.
With global markets appearing steady and Pakistan’s external position bolstered, traders entered the session with renewed optimism. Market watchers expect the rally to extend if talks yield concrete results and pledged inflows materialise, potentially driving the PSX to fresh highs.
