Karachi: The Pakistan Stock Exchange experienced a significant uptick yesterday as the KSE-100 Index gained 3,373 points, closing at 182,408. The trading volume was robust, with 1,378 million shares changing hands. The top performers in terms of price change included Pakistan International Bulk Terminal Limited (PIBTL), Faysal Bank Limited (FABL), and Habib Metropolitan Bank (HMB). Conversely, the biggest decliners were Pak Elektron Limited (PSEL), Dawood Hercules Corporation Limited (DHPL), and Murree Brewery Company Limited (MUREB). Market activity was predominantly concentrated in the technology, banking, and power sectors.
In a broader economic context, the government debt stocks decreased by Rs345 billion over the past five months. Meanwhile, progress was reported in international collaborations, as Pakistan and China agreed to upgrade the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) to version 2.0.
Additionally, the Asian Development Bank has advised Pakistan on leveraging its fintech potential. In trade developments, the National Assembly panel has urged the Ministry of Commerce to address barriers in Pakistan-Iran trade.
Fiscal news included the collection of Rs114 billion in super tax under Section 4B of the Income Tax Ordinance, reported to the Federal Cabinet Committee. The government is also initiating sell-side due diligence for five power utilities as advisors step in, and plans are underway to assess the impact of tariff revisions.
Other economic indicators showed that furnace oil exports reached 778,000 tonnes in the first half of fiscal year 2026. Furthermore, services exports saw a 17 percent rise between July and November, while the freelancing sector recorded a 91 percent growth.
Despite the booming stock market, foreign investors remain hesitant. The All Pakistan Textile Mills Association (APTMA) has called on the Oil and Gas Regulatory Authority (Ogra) to review the actual sales price of RLNG from 2015 to 2022.
In legal news, the Supreme Court has accepted for hearing the Competition Commission of Pakistan’s review plea in the sugar mills case. On the international front, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia have agreed to jointly produce vaccines following India’s refusal to supply them.
In industry developments, the ‘Mobile and Electronic Devices Manufacturing Policy 2026’ was unveiled, and Ruhail Mohammad was elected as the chairman of the Pakistan Stock Exchange Board. Additionally, Otsuka Pakistan announced the resumption of its production activities.