KARACHI: In a session clouded by ongoing political uncertainty, Pakistan stocks defied the odds and closed with gains on Monday, showcasing investor resilience in the face of continued volatility.
The benchmark KSE-100 index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) settled at 41,718 points, marking an increase of 231 points from the previous session’s close of 41,487 points on Friday. This performance reflects the ability of Pakistan’s capital markets to withstand short-term political noise, even when investor confidence is shaken.
According to analysts at Arif Habib Limited, the trading day began with hesitancy. The KSE-100 index opened in negative territory amid prevailing political instability, which had kept investor sentiment muted. However, as the session progressed, selective buying in key sectors helped reverse the early losses. By the day’s end, stocks rebounded into positive territory, buoyed by bargain hunters and selective institutional interest.
Despite cautious investor behavior, several sectors stood out with notable gains. The fertilizer sector led the charge, contributing 78.7 points to the index. Other sectors supporting the upward movement included commercial banks (+35.0 points), technology and communication (+24.4 points), investment and securities companies (+23.7 points), and chemicals (+21.9 points). These sectors played a crucial role in lifting Pakistan stocks even as the broader political landscape remained uncertain.
Trading activity also picked up pace, particularly among third-tier stocks. The total volume of shares traded jumped by 22 percent, reaching 109.2 million shares compared to 89.5 million shares in the previous session. However, the average traded value slightly dipped by 0.4 percent, settling at USD 11.88 million.
Stocks such as WorldCall Telecom (WTL), Telecard (TELE), Hum Network (HUMNL), LOTCHEM, and OGDC were among the most actively traded, driving both volumes and investor interest. These stocks helped sustain market momentum even when broader sentiment was cautious.
The positive close in Pakistan stocks highlights a measured optimism among market participants. While political clarity remains essential for sustained growth, Monday’s performance suggests that investors are willing to engage selectively with the market. Going forward, both domestic and foreign investors are expected to closely monitor political developments and their implications for Pakistan’s economic and investment outlook.