With a 1.02% decline, the index closed at 137,964.82 points, down from the previous day’s 139,380.06.

Despite the market’s bearish performance, total trading volume increased to 606,334,880 shares compared to 589,306,106 shares a day earlier. However, the total value of traded shares dipped to Rs32.685 billion from Rs34.562 billion.

Out of 484 listed companies, only 108 managed to gain while a massive 350 witnessed losses. The share prices of 26 companies remained unchanged, painting a grim picture for investors.

Top three trading companies in terms of volume were Telecard Limited with 38,709,378 shares at Rs7.84 per share, Bank of Punjab with 31,941,017 shares at Rs13.47, and WorldCall Telecom with 28,524,007 shares at Rs1.44.

Thal Industries Corporation Limited stood out with the highest increase in share price, gaining Rs55.71 to close at Rs614.16. Archroma Pakistan Limited followed, rising by Rs47.05 to settle at Rs517.52.

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On the flip side, Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited suffered the biggest loss of the day, dropping by a staggering Rs891.72 to close at Rs32,620.41. PIA Holding Company LimitedB came next, falling by Rs390.57 and ending at Rs31,157.43.

The sharp dip in the PSX reflects heightened market uncertainty, possibly triggered by macroeconomic stress, investor profit-taking, or external financial volatility. The fact that a majority of companies ended in red while trading volume remained high suggests investors are active—but cautious. The few gainers indicate selective interest in resilient or undervalued sectors, but overall sentiment remains fragile.