PSX Closing Bell: The Sound of Silence

May 12, 2026 (MLN): The benchmark KSE-100 Index extended its losses on Tuesday, closing at 168,916.22, down by 1,590.09 points or 0.93%, as investor sentiment weakened amid escalating geopolitical uncertainty and rising global oil prices.

The index traded within a range of 2,748.24 points, recording an intraday high of 171,571.55 (+1,065.24) and a low of 168,823.31 (-1,683.00) points. Total traded volume in the KSE-100 Index stood at 424.80 million shares.

Out of the 100 index companies, only 14 closed higher, while 85 declined and 1 remained unchanged, reflecting broad-based selling pressure across the market.

Among the major losers were HCAR (-4.36%), FFL (-4.31%), KEL (-4.25%), MLCF (-3.87%), and KTML (-3.76%). On the other hand, TRG (+10.01%), PGLC (+9.90%), BNWM (+9.78%), AIRLINK (+2.34%), and HGFA (+1.99%) posted gains.

In terms of index-point contribution, UBL (-181.64pts), LUCK (-120.26pts), ENGROH (-119.52pts), HBL (-89.81pts), and HUBC (-57.12pts) were the biggest drags on the benchmark index. Meanwhile, TRG (+75.70pts), MEBL (+24.38pts), AIRLINK (+14.21pts), CNERGY (+7.20pts), and MTL (+7.19pts) provided limited support.

Sector-wise, the decline was led by Commercial Banks (-474.08pts), Cement (-328.96pts), Investment Banks/Companies/Securities (-125.57pts), Power Generation & Distribution (-113.79pts), and Oil & Gas Marketing Companies (-76.88pts). Gains in Paper, Board & Packaging (+6.23pts), Technology & Communication (+4.29pts), Close-End Mutual Funds (+2.78pts), Woollen (+1.07pts), and Leasing Companies (+0.49pts) failed to offset the broader weakness.

In the broader market, the All-Share Index closed at 101,593.67, losing 1,004.32 points or 0.98%. Total market volume stood at 1,017.42 million shares, while traded value was recorded at Rs32.03 billion. A total of 425,199 trades were reported across 484 companies, with 105 closing higher, 346 lower, and 33 remaining unchanged.

Market sentiment remained under pressure as global crude oil prices climbed after U.S. President Donald Trump warned that the already fragile ceasefire with Iran was rapidly deteriorating.

President Trump stated that the truce was effectively “on life support” following Tehran’s rejection of Washington’s latest peace proposal.

The renewed fears of escalating conflict in the Middle East heightened concerns over potential disruptions in global energy supplies, prompting cautious trading activity and broad-based selling at the Pakistan Stock Exchange, particularly in heavyweight banking, cement, and energy-related sectors.

To note, the KSE-100 has gained 43,289 points or 34.46% during the fiscal year, whereas it has decreased 5,138 points or 2.95% so far this calendar year.

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