PSX Closing Bell: Down in the Doldrums

February 25, 2026 (MLN): The KSE-100 Index extended its downward trajectory on Wednesday, as persistent selling pressure across heavyweight sectors kept investors cautious amid ongoing economic and global uncertainties.

The benchmark index closed at 164,626.29, registering a decline of 1,632.25 points or 0.98%.

Investor sentiment remained subdued as the IMF review approaches, with market participants opting to trim positions amid uncertainty over potential policy adjustments and fiscal targets.

The upcoming review is seen as a critical milestone for economic stability, prompting cautious trading activity.

The session remained volatile, with the index moving within a range of 3,962.28 points. It touched an intraday high of 168,191.64 (+1,933.10 points) before sliding to a low of 164,229.36 (-2,029.18 points).

Total trading volume of the KSE-100 Index stood at 351.26 million shares.

Market breadth remained negative, reflecting continued bearish sentiment. Of the 100 index companies, 24 closed higher, 74 ended lower, while 2 remained unchanged.

Top losers during the session were PABC (-8.30%), DGKC (-6.81%), PSX (-6.74%), BNWM (-5.93%), and SEARL (-5.56%).

On the other hand, top gainers included CNERGY (+8.31%), HGFA (+4.60%), NBP (+4.41%), BAFL (+4.28%), and FATIMA (+2.99%).

In terms of index-point impact, major drags on the benchmark were UBL (-339.30pts), ENGROH (-228.93pts), PPL (-137.96pts), LUCK (-113.82pts), and DGKC (-107.82pts).

Meanwhile, companies that lent support to the index were NBP (+191.51pts), MCB (+137.93pts), BAFL (+123.18pts), FATIMA (+47.41pts), and HBL (+39.98pts).

Sector-wise, the KSE-100 Index was primarily weighed down by Cement (-340.69pts), Oil & Gas Exploration Companies (-294.25pts), Investment Banks/Investment Companies/Securities Companies (-282.11pts), Technology & Communication (-104.34pts), and Pharmaceuticals (-97.51pts).

Limited support came from Close-End Mutual Fund (+5.93pts), Synthetic & Rayon (+3.16pts), Modarabas (+1.56pts), Automobile Parts & Accessories (+1.10pts), and Textile Spinning (+0.96pts).

In the broader market, the All-Share Index closed at 98,999.22, posting a net loss of 757.44 points or 0.76%.

Total market volume stood at 619.63 million shares compared to 687.96 million in the previous session, while traded value declined by Rs9.22 billion to Rs29.25 billion.

A total of 294,471 trades were reported in 483 companies, of which 143 closed higher, 278 declined, and 62 remained unchanged, indicating continued cautious participation and selling pressure across the board.

To note, the KSE-100 has gained 38,999 points or 31.04% during the fiscal year, whereas it has decreased 9,428 points or 5.42% so far this calendar year.

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