PSX Experiences Selling Pressure Amid Geopolitical Tensions

Increased geopolitical concerns between Pakistan and India have triggered selling activity at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). During the initial hours of trading on Monday, the KSE-100 Index, a key market indicator, plummeted by nearly 900 points.

As of 9:40 am, the index stood at 113,223.46, reflecting a significant downturn of 890.47 points, equivalent to a 0.78% decrease.

Market sentiment remained weak across vital sectors, including power generation, oil and gas exploration, OMCs, automobile manufacturers, and commercial banking. Major stocks like HUBCO, PSO, SNGPL, MARI, OGDC, PPL, MEBL, NBP, and UBL all experienced declines.

This downturn occurred after media outlets reported potential Indian airstrikes, following a substantial 40-minute meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari on Sunday.

The meeting was held in the aftermath of the recent attack in Pahalgam, Jammu and Kashmir.

Investors are also keenly awaiting the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) announcement regarding the policy rate, scheduled for later in the day.

The PSX faced volatility throughout the previous week due to heightened geopolitical tensions between Pakistan and India. The KSE-100 Index lost 1,355.41 points, a 1.2% decrease compared to the previous week, settling at 114,114 points against the preceding week’s 115,469 points.

On a global scale, Indian equities demonstrated resilience on Monday, bolstered by reduced global trade tensions, steady foreign capital inflows, and a decrease in crude oil prices, which improved investor confidence.

As of 10:03 am IST, the Nifty 50 rose by 0.59% to reach 24,487.14, while the BSE Sensex increased by 0.54% to 80,936.4.

The benchmarks achieved their longest weekly winning sequence in 2025 on Friday, supported by renewed optimism regarding a possible trade agreement between India and the U.S.

Foreign portfolio investors (FPI) have been actively purchasing Indian shares for the 12th consecutive session as of Friday, marking their most extended daily buying streak in two years.

However, the gains were partially limited due to a somewhat subdued earnings season for the March quarter and ongoing geopolitical concerns, according to market analysts.

This information reflects an intra-day market update.