By Ahmed Khan
It was a rough Thursday for the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX). The benchmark KSE-100 index took a steep fall of nearly 2,000 points as investors rushed to secure profits before the futures rollover week and after some banks reported weaker financial results.
The market opened strong, reaching an impressive high of 166,720 points in the first hour of trading. But what began with optimism didn’t last long. As the day went on, the index started to slide, eventually sinking to an intra-day low of 164,395 points.
By the closing bell, the KSE-100 had dropped 1,962.87 points, or 1.18%, settling at 164,590.41.
Analysts Explain Why PSX Faced Sudden Pressure
According to Topline Securities, Thursday’s trading session was highly unstable as investor sentiment wavered throughout the day. The index swung between highs and lows before ending deep in the red.
The firm explained that much of the pressure came from profit-taking ahead of the futures rollover week, made worse by lackluster financial reports from Bank AL Habib and Bank Alfalah.
Major Companies Behind the Market Drop
Bank AL Habib, Habib Metropolitan Bank, Lucky Cement, Hub Power, and Engro Corporation were among the biggest losers, collectively pulling down the index by over 1,000 points.
Still, trading activity remained high. Total share volume surged to 1.5 billion, showing that investors stayed active despite the fall, Topline added.
Banking Sector Leads Decline in KSE-100 Index
Arif Habib Limited (AHL) noted that selling pressure hit the banking sector hardest. On the KSE-100, only 24 companies saw gains while 74 declined. Among the few bright spots were MCB Bank (+1.07%), Interloop Limited (+5.82%), and Fauji Fertiliser Company (+0.27%).
In contrast, Bank AL Habib (-9.98%), Habib Metropolitan Bank (-5.89%), and Lucky Cement (-1.75%) weighed heavily on the index.
Earnings Updates: FFC, HBL, and Faysal Bank Results
Fauji Fertiliser Company (FFC) announced earnings per share (EPS) of Rs40.50 for the first nine months of 2025, up 14% year-on-year, with a dividend of Rs28.5 per share. Sales rose 18%, driven by higher urea and DAP offtake, up 14% and 17%, respectively.
Habib Bank Limited (HBL) posted EPS of Rs34.96, up 19% from last year, supported by stronger interest income and non-funded revenue.
Faysal Bank’s results were less encouraging, with EPS dropping 24% to Rs10.25 and a smaller dividend of Rs4.5 per share. Analysts linked the decline to weaker profits and rising costs.
Market Outlook and Key Trading Highlights
Analysts said the KSE-100 needs to reclaim the 166,000 level for any meaningful recovery. AHL described the market as being “in a congestion zone,” meaning it’s struggling to find a clear direction.
Trading volume slightly dipped to 1.50 billion shares from 1.57 billion on Wednesday, with a total trade value of Rs49.5 billion. Out of 474 listed companies, 147 gained, 291 fell, and 36 remained unchanged.
WorldCall Telecom topped the volume chart with 162.2 million shares traded, edging up to Rs2.09. K-Electric followed with 138.2 million shares, slipping to Rs6.08, while Telecard Ltd rose to Rs13.26 after 90.6 million shares changed hands.
Foreign investors sold shares worth Rs539.2 million, according to the National Clearing Company of Pakistan Limited (NCCPL).
Author Profile
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Ahmed Khan is a business journalist who specializes in Pakistan’s financial markets, corporate earnings, and economic policy.
With a keen eye for market trends and investor behavior, he breaks down complex financial developments into clear, insightful stories for everyday readers.
