PSX Closing Bell: Gains Locked In

April 16, 2026 (MLN): Stocks at the Pakistan Stock Exchange continued their upward trajectory on Thursday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index posting further gains as improved liquidity outlook and foreign inflows boosted investor confidence.

The KSE-100 Index closed at 169,911.95, up 1,392.01 points or 0.83%. The index remained in positive territory throughout the session, reaching an intraday high of 170,899.16 (+2,379.22 points) and a low of 168,941.31 (+421.37 points), reflecting sustained buying activity.

Trading volumes remained healthy, with total volume in the KSE-100 Index recorded at 405.31 million shares. Market breadth was positive, as 66 companies closed higher, 32 declined, and 2 remained unchanged.

Among the top gainers, LOTCHEM (+10.00%), GAL (+6.64%), PSX (+6.21%), AHCL (+6.00%), and TRG (+4.54%) led the advance. On the other hand, losses were seen in TGL (-4.47%), KTML (-2.38%), BAHL (-1.95%), PAEL (-1.93%), and BAFL (-1.56%).

In terms of index-point contribution, the rally was driven by UBL (+320.94 points), OGDC (+234.90 points), HUBC (+162.56 points), PPL (+145.22 points), and ENGROH (+133.49 points). Meanwhile, some pressure came from BAHL (-90.68 points), MEBL (-52.16 points), BAFL (-47.10 points), TGL (-19.18 points), and SRVI (-18.84 points).

Sector-wise, the KSE-100 Index was supported by Oil & Gas Exploration Companies (+431.67 points), Commercial Banks (+254.46 points), Investment Banks/Companies/Securities Companies (+172.01 points), Power Generation & Distribution (+166.52 points), and Fertilizer (+163.08 points). Some weakness was observed in glass & ceramics, leather, cement, and textile sectors.

Investor sentiment was lifted after the State Bank of Pakistan received $2 billion from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a day after Riyadh committed a fresh $3 billion deposit to support Pakistan’s external financing position. The inflow represents the first tranche of the pledged amount, with the remaining $1 billion expected in the coming days.

The development provided a timely boost to the country’s foreign exchange reserves, easing concerns over external financing and strengthening confidence in macroeconomic stability.

Additionally, improving sentiment was supported by relatively stable global oil prices and continued optimism around diplomatic efforts in the Middle East, which have helped reduce immediate fears of supply disruptions.

In the broader market, the All-Share Index also closed higher at 101,374.61, gaining 1,046.92 points or 1.04%. Total market volume stood at 972.71 million shares, while traded value was recorded at Rs43.93 billion.

A total of 488 companies were traded during the session, of which 306 advanced, 139 declined, and 43 remained unchanged, reflecting a broadly positive tone across the market.

To note, the KSE-100 has gained 44,285 points or 35.25% during the fiscal year, whereas it has decreased 4,142 points or 2.38% so far this calendar year.

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