Karachi: Pakistan’s equity market regained momentum after several choppy sessions, with the KSE-100 Index edging up 0.48 percent to close at 167,085.58 points. Renewed institutional buying and an improvement in domestic sentiment helped the benchmark recover from recent selling pressure.
Fertiliser and Energy Shares Drive the Upswing
Gains were largely fuelled by strong performances in fertiliser and exploration and production companies, which together added more than 600 points to the index. Fauji Fertiliser, Pakistan Petroleum, Oil and Gas Development Company, Pakistan Services, Lucky Cement and Systems Limited were among the leading movers, contributing a combined 607 points.
Analysts said the market had struggled earlier in the week, but steadier macro signals and returning institutional flows allowed the KSE-100 to stage a meaningful comeback. Brokerage houses Topline Securities and AHL noted that the benchmark has started testing resistance levels in the 168,000–170,000 range as weekly momentum improved.
Trading Volumes Strengthen
Market activity also accelerated. Turnover jumped to 686.8 million shares, while the total value traded reached Rs41.6 billion. AHL reported that 59 stocks advanced and 48 declined, adding that the index continues to show room for further upside toward the 170,000 level, with technical support seen between 164,000 and 167,000 points.
Telecard Limited led the session in volume terms, with 58 million shares changing hands before the stock settled at Rs12.12. Foreign investors, meanwhile, were net sellers, offloading Rs119.6 million worth of shares.
Corporate and Sector Developments Shape Sentiment
Several corporate and sector updates also influenced investor activity. Pak-Qatar Family Takaful opened registrations for its initial public offering on December 6, offering 50 million shares at Rs14 each. In the defence sector, Turkey and Pakistan advanced plans for a joint combat drone assembly facility in Pakistan.
Analysts at JS Global said selective buying supported the day’s rebound and that the near-term outlook remained constructive.
Weekly Gains Supported by Political and Economic Signals
The stock market also ended the week on firmer ground, rising 0.48 percent from December 1 to 5. Market watchers linked the broader uptrend to political clarity after the federal government ratified the appointment of Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir as both Chief of Army Staff and Chief of Defence Forces for a five-year term. The decision eased uncertainty surrounding the newly created dual role and helped stabilise sentiment.
Saudi Deposit Extension and Economic Data Add Support
Another major catalyst came from Saudi Arabia’s decision to roll over its $3 billion deposit with the State Bank of Pakistan for an additional year. Analysts expect the extension to support foreign exchange reserves and reinforce macroeconomic stability.
Economic data released during the week also shaped expectations. Consumer inflation for November eased slightly to 6.15 percent from 6.24 percent in October, signalling contained price pressures. The trade deficit widened 33 percent year-on-year to $2.86 billion but narrowed 12 percent from the previous month due to softer import growth.
Broad Participation Marks the Week
Investor participation remained strong, with average daily turnover reaching 680 million shares and average traded value holding at PKR 40.2 billion across the week. Analysts said the combination of political clarity, external financing support and stabilizing macro indicators helped keep the market on an upward trajectory.
