PSX gains 266 points in range-bound session

The benchmark KSE-100 index closed at 170,765 on Friday, up 266.15 points, after moving in both directions during a range-bound session. The Express Tribune reported that investors stayed wary as uncertainty over geopolitics and high oil prices kept buying muted. According to Reuters, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye and Pakistan are expected to meet at senior level under a shared defence arrangement, while Tehran sought to put some distance between itself and its Houthi partners.

On the domestic front, the PTI put off its march on Islamabad after thousands of security personnel were deployed and roads were blocked. Turnover was thin, with 481.6 million shares traded for a total value of Rs19.2 billion, and CNERGY led volumes at 108.2 million shares.

PSO reported FY26 earnings per share of Rs32.10, down 28% year on year, which it linked mainly to lower sales volumes, higher inventory losses and elevated petroleum prices. PSO also disclosed a final cash dividend of Rs10 per share for 4QFY26, bringing the full-year payout ratio to 31%.