The benchmark KSE-100 Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange recorded a bearish trend, losing 5,478.63 points, a negative change of 3.16 percent. It closed at 167,691.08 compared to 173,169.71 in the previous session.
Trading activity remained strong despite the decline. In the ready market, 461,264,025 shares were traded with a total value of Rs24.935 billion. In the earlier session, 537,645,825 shares were traded worth Rs23.790 billion.
Market capitalization dropped sharply to Rs18.971 trillion from Rs19.602 trillion, showing a loss of over Rs631 billion in a single day.
Out of 479 active companies, only 42 advanced, while 389 declined and 48 remained unchanged, reflecting broad-based selling.
Among the most traded stocks, K-Electric Limited led with 36,062,769 shares, followed by WorldCall Telecom with 33,673,161 shares and Bank of Punjab with 26,673,106 shares.
On the gaining side, S.S.Oil Mills Limited increased by Rs51.24 to close at Rs563.62, while Pakistan Engineering Company Limited rose by Rs22.10 to Rs617.45.
However, heavy losses were seen in PIA Holding Company Limited, which fell by Rs361.50 to Rs16,495.50, and Sapphire Textile Mills Limited, which dropped by Rs134.19 to Rs1,239.00.
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In the futures market, 190,560,500 shares were traded worth Rs10.422 billion, compared to 166,023,500 shares valued at Rs7.118 billion in the previous session. Out of 336 futures companies, only 11 recorded gains while 325 declined.
Experts say the sudden fall shows investor nervousness and profit-taking at higher levels. Political and economic uncertainty may have triggered panic selling. If confidence does not return quickly, the PSX may remain under pressure in coming days.
The market fell very sharply in one day. Most companies closed in red. Investors seem worried and are selling shares quickly. If stability comes back, the market can recover, but fear is strong right now.
