The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) came under sharp selling pressure on Monday as negative momentum persisted, with the benchmark KSE-100 index declining by more than 2,000 points during intraday trading.
At 1:04pm, the KSE-100 index stood at 163,088.30 points, down 2,507.77 points or 1.51 per cent from the previous close of 165,596.07 points. In another update during the session, the index was recorded at 163,424.91 points, showing a decline of 2,171.16 points or 1.31 per cent.
The market remained under pressure as weakness in global and regional equities added to investor caution. Most Asian markets traded lower in morning sessions, extending losses seen across international exchanges.
Tokyo stocks declined 1.0 per cent, while Hong Kong fell 1.4 per cent. Shanghai remained flat. Other regional markets, including Sydney, Bangkok, Taipei, Singapore and Wellington, also posted losses, with Jakarta dropping 2.7 per cent.
Investor sentiment globally remained subdued amid uncertainty over US-Iran negotiations and concerns surrounding the Middle East. Rising tensions contributed to a more than two per cent increase in oil prices, with fears over potential disruption in the Strait of Hormuz further weighing on market outlook.
The latest decline follows a sustained losing streak at the PSX. Last week, the benchmark index extended its fall for a sixth consecutive session, shedding 902.77 points to close at 165,596.07 points. During the week, heightened geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainty pushed the KSE-100 below its pre-war level.
Analysts expect market activity to remain closely linked to geopolitical developments, particularly progress in US-Iran talks and movements in global oil prices. Trading is also likely to stay cautious ahead of the federal budget.
Market participants said overall sentiment continues to reflect broader uncertainty, with both domestic and international factors driving volatility across equities.
