PSX Closing Bell: Deep Red

August 18, 2026 (MLN): The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a sharp sell-off on Tuesday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index plunging 2,547 points as investor sentiment weakened amid renewed political uncertainty and rising oil prices.

Market pressure intensified after the Supreme Court ordered Adiala jail authorities to transfer incarcerated Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) founder Imran Khan to Shifa International Hospital for medical assessment and treatment, adding to domestic political uncertainty.

Meanwhile, oil prices climbed as hopes for a lasting end to the Iran-US conflict weakened, raising fresh concerns over crude supplies through key shipping routes and adding to broader risk-off sentiment.

The benchmark KSE-100 Index concluded Tuesday's trading session at 177,955.50, showing a decrease of 2,546.94 points or 1.41%.

The index traded in a range of 2,736.40 points, touching an intraday high of 180,602.44 (+100.00 points) and a low of 177,866.04 (-2,636.40 points).

The total volume traded in the KSE-100 Index stood at 511.87 million shares.

Of the 100 index companies, 13 closed higher, 86 lower, while 1 remained unchanged.

Top losers during the day were HGFA (-4.78%), CHCC (-4.07%), INIL (-3.77%), AGP (-3.70%), and THALL (-3.49%).

On the other hand, top gainers were PGLC (+9.57%), NBP (+0.69%), BNWM (+0.69%), SSGC (+0.63%), and AHCL (+0.43%).

In terms of index-point contributions, UBL (-206.57pts), FFC (-202.78pts), MEBL (-187.81pts), ENGROH (-185.38pts), and OGDC (-144.97pts) dragged the index lower.

Meanwhile, NBP (+25.27pts), SSGC (+2.15pts), AHCL (+1.57pts), CPHL (+1.21pts), and BWCL (+1.08pts) provided support.

Sector-wise, the KSE-100 Index was let down by Commercial Banks (-617.52pts), Oil & Gas Exploration Companies (-410.49pts), Fertilizer (-262.20pts), Cement (-250.82pts), and Investment Banks / Investment Companies / Securities Companies (-201.04pts).

The index was supported by Transport (+0.57pts), Leasing Companies (+0.50pts), Tobacco (+0.11pts), Woollen (+0.08pts), and Modarabas (+0.00pts).

In the broader market, the All-Share Index closed at 107,760.08, posting a net loss of 1,447.05 points or 1.33%.

Total market volume stood at 1,038.64 million shares, compared with 1,047.68m in the previous session, while traded value was recorded at Rs50.74 billion, showing an increase of Rs2.42bn.

A total of 565,220 trades were reported across 493 companies, with 103 stocks closing higher, 368 lower, and 22 remaining unchanged.

To note, the KSE-100 has lost 2,346 points or 1.30% during the fiscal year, whereas it has increased 3,901 points or 2.24% so far this calendar year.

Copyright Mettis Link News