PSX gains 779 points amid partial recovery

The KSE-100 rose 779.34 points, or 0.47%, to 165,930.99 on Wednesday, as institutional investors returned to selected shares after recent market weakness. The Express Tribune reported that hopes for progress in US-Iran diplomacy also lifted sentiment, although trading remained subdued.

KTrade Securities said turnover was 130 million shares in the index, with buying in power generation, banks and oil and gas exploration helping the advance. Banks, power, cement and autos contributed positively, while losses in Attock Refinery, Fauji Cement and Millat Tractors limited gains. Brent crude stood at $110/barrel, adding to uncertainty.

Investors also focused on the proposed 2026-31 auto policy, which includes export incentives, localisation measures and support for electric vehicles, subject to approval. Hub Power, Habib Bank, UBL, OGDC, Mari Energies, PPL, Sazgar Engineering, Lucky Cement and NCPL together added 711 points to the index. Total market volume fell to 379.9 million shares, and traded value was Rs21.3 billion.