PSX: KSE-100 sheds nearly 1% amid selling pressure

Business Recorder reported that the Pakistan Stock Exchange stayed under pressure on Monday, with the benchmark KSE-100 ending 1,692.75 points lower at 173,636.07, a drop of 0.97%. The index had opened higher and reached an intra-day peak of 175,353.67, but gains did not last as sellers grew more aggressive during the latter part of trading. It later slipped below 174,000 and touched an intra-day low of 173,603.75.

Topline Securities attributed the cautious mood to fresh US-Iran geopolitical strain and higher global crude prices, which fed worries about inflation, the external account and macroeconomic stability. The refinery sector also came under pressure after reports that the federal government plans penalties for refineries failing to finish Upgradation Agreements with the Energy Ministry's Petroleum Division before October 1, 2026. Topline said this raised concerns about possible financial effects on refinery companies.

UBL, OGDC, PPL, MCB and FFC together accounted for about 811 points of the decline, while PSEL, AKBL and AICL offset roughly 117 points. Cnergyico PK topped volume with 82.46 million shares, and overall volume dropped to 679.19 million from 874.32 million. Share value fell to Rs23.69 billion from Rs32.42 billion, and of 495 companies traded, 154 advanced, 311 declined and 30 were flat.