The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) remained under pressure on Friday, as the benchmark KSE-100 Index lost 1,335.01 points, or 0.81%, to reach 162,589.30 by the Friday prayers break.

PSX data showed that the index opened near 163,869 and briefly climbed to an intraday high of 163,966.86. However, selling pressure soon took hold, dragging the index to a low of 162,407.61.

The benchmark had closed the previous session at 163,924.31.

Selling Hits Major Sectors

Selling affected several major sectors, including commercial banks, oil and gas exploration companies, oil marketing companies, power generation, cement, automobile assemblers and refineries.

Heavyweight stocks such as HUBC, PPL, POL, UBL and MCB also traded lower. Their declines extended the broad market weakness seen on Thursday.

IMF Warns Pakistan’s External Position May Weaken as Imports Rise

By the break, the regular market had recorded 144,593 trades. Trading volume reached 159.1 million shares, with a total value of approximately Rs7.66 billion.

The latest decline follows Thursday’s loss of more than 2,000 points, as investors continue to assess rising oil prices and regional tensions.

Rising Oil Prices Fuel Market Concerns

Market participants linked the continued selling to concerns over the regional conflict and its impact on global energy prices.

Fighting involving Saudi Arabia and Yemen-based Houthi forces has heightened concerns about oil supplies. Brent crude has traded near multi-month highs of around $113 to $114 per barrel, according to the supplied market update.

Higher oil prices could increase Pakistan’s import bill and put additional pressure on its external account. They may also fuel inflation, adding to investor concerns.

These risks have kept market sentiment cautious, particularly as investors look for positive economic and geopolitical developments.

KSE-100 Remains Down for the Year

The KSE-100 Index remains down 6.59% year to date. Its one-year change stands at negative 1.22%.

The benchmark’s 52-week range extends from 144,119.44 to 191,032.73.

Analysts expect investors to monitor oil prices, regional developments and global market trends as Friday’s session continues. Without fresh positive signals, elevated energy costs and geopolitical uncertainty could keep sentiment fragile.

Investors will also watch movements in international commodity markets over the weekend for clues about the market’s next direction.