The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) remained under pressure on Friday, with the benchmark KSE-100 index falling 668.83 points, or 0.4%, to 168,196.21 at the midday break.

The index opened lower and briefly fell to 166,141. The decline extended losses from Thursday, when the KSE-100 plunged 3,078 points, or 1.79%, to close at 168,865.04.

Investors continued to monitor global oil prices and rising geopolitical tensions. The previous session’s sell-off had already pushed the market below the key 170,000 level.

KSE-100 Recovers From Morning Low

The KSE-100 initially fell more than 2,700 points from Thursday’s close. Bargain hunters later stepped in and helped the index recover towards 168,200.

The session high stood at 168,240.89 before trading paused for Friday prayers.

Around 137.7 million shares changed hands during the morning session. The total traded value reached Rs9.77 billion.

Trading follows the PSX’s regular Friday schedule, which divides the session around Jummah prayers. The second session is scheduled to reopen at 2:32pm and continue until 4:30pm.

Broader Market Indicators Also Decline

Other major market indicators also traded in negative territory.

The KSE All-Share Index fell 382 points, or 0.37%, to 101,912.80. The KSE-30 Index declined by 161 points.

The KMI-30 Islamic Index also lost 509 points.

Oil and gas stocks offered limited support. The OGTI index gained 0.45% during the morning session.

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Investors Watch Oil Prices and Geopolitical Risks

Market sentiment remained fragile after Thursday’s heavy sell-off. Investors are weighing the impact of higher crude prices on inflation and Pakistan’s broader economy.

The latest decline also follows a sharp drop in market capitalisation during Thursday’s session.

Analysts will closely watch the afternoon trading session. The key question is whether bargain hunting can sustain the midday recovery or whether fresh selling will return after the market reopens.

For now, geopolitical uncertainty and higher oil prices remain the main concerns for investors.