Islamabad: The KSE-100 index saw an increase of 84 points yesterday, closing at 158,037 with a trading volume of 2,046 million shares. This upward movement occurred against a backdrop of significant economic concerns, including potential sugar and wheat shortages, a crippling power crisis in Gwadar, and Fitch's review of Pakistan's debt ratings. BOP, PTC, and PAKT led the market in price gains, while YOUW, TPLRF1, and CNERGY experienced the largest declines. Trading activity was primarily focused on the technology, banking, and refinery sectors.

Gwadar's power shortage has severely disrupted daily life and port operations, adding to the country's economic woes. The government is also grappling with potential wheat and sugar crises, with Punjab implementing measures to avert wheat scarcity and millers warning of impending sugar shortages due to sales restrictions.

In other economic developments, Pakistan's trade deficit with nine countries has surged by 28 percent. The central bank injected Rs11 trillion into the market, while the government cleared the path for new RLNG connections and allocated 222 MMCFD of indigenous gas to three fertilizer plants. Discussions regarding electricity wheeling auctions have commenced.

On the international front, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is scheduled to lead a delegation at the 80th UNGA session and participate in a meeting with select Muslim leaders and former US President Donald Trump. Pakistan and Vietnam are preparing to initiate talks on a Preferential Trade Agreement (PTA). Islamabad and Beijing have inked three agreements to enhance trade cooperation. Repatriation of profits doubled in July-August. Weekly SPI inflation decreased by 1.34 percent. The nation begins the Rabi season with record water storage levels. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar presented a $3 trillion economic plan.

Finally, the devastating floods have impacted over three million people, damaging 239 bridges and destroying 1,981 kilometers of roads.