KSE-100 tumbles 1600 points on tensions

Pakistan’s KSE-100 index plunged more than 1,600 points to close at 158,465 amid rising geopolitical tensions and weak corporate earnings. Investors reacted to growing economic and regional uncertainty, triggering broad-based selling.

Market analysts attributed the drop to strained relations between Pakistan and the Taliban, as well as disappointing results from major firms. Trading sentiment stayed weak, with 233 of 340 listed companies ending lower, 93 advancing, and 14 unchanged. The banking, cement, and energy sectors suffered significant losses. Blue chips such as Lucky Cement, United Bank Limited, and MCB Bank weighed on the index, while the National Bank of Pakistan offered limited support following strong quarterly profits.

Turnover fell to 951 million shares valued at PKR 41.3 billion. K-Electric, Hascol Petroleum, and WorldCall Telecom were the most actively traded. Analysts noted that a lack of positive economic signals and persistent political instability have made investors reluctant to commit new capital. They warned that continued uncertainty could erode confidence and curb foreign investment. Experts called for policy stability to restore market trust, saying volatility will likely persist without a clearer economic direction. Separately, local reports cited Islamabad and Punjab as the most dangerous areas for journalists in 2025, with media violations up about 60 percent.