Karachi, August 1, 2025 – The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a historic day on Friday as the KSE-100 index surged past the 141,000-point mark for the first time ever.
This record-breaking rally came in response to a landmark trade development with the United States, which reduced its tariff on Pakistani goods to 19%, down from the initially proposed 29%.
The KSE-100 index soared by 1,645 points, closing at 141,035, compared to the previous day’s close of 139,390. Market experts said the rally was driven by strong investor confidence following a major diplomatic success by Pakistani authorities.
According to analysts, the announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump of a new energy cooperation deal with Pakistan further boosted investor sentiment. The reduced tariff is expected to provide significant relief to Pakistan’s export sector, prompting broad-based buying across multiple sectors.
Key gainers included companies from cement, commercial banking, oil and gas exploration, fertiliser, and OMCs. Heavyweights such as MARI, OGDC, SNGPL, SSGC, and FFC led the index higher with strong trading volumes.
President Trump’s executive order, signed late Thursday, imposed varying tariff rates on several countries. While India’s exports to the U.S. now face a 25% tariff, Pakistan secured a comparatively favorable rate of 19%. Other affected countries include Taiwan (20%), Thailand (19%), and Canada (35%). Mexico was granted a 90-day window to renegotiate.
The sharp surge in the KSE-100 index underscores renewed investor optimism and reflects the market’s confidence in Pakistan’s strengthening economic ties and improved global trade positioning. The PSX is now eyeing further gains as the momentum builds.