The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) staged a robust rally on Friday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index surging 2,787.36 points, or 2.50%, to settle at 114,113.93. The bullish momentum reflected renewed investor confidence amid easing geopolitical tensions and growing anticipation around Pakistan’s upcoming IMF board review.
Throughout the session, the index stayed firmly in the green, recording an intraday high of 114,546.87 — up by 3,220.30 points — and a low of 112,820.07. Total traded volume on the KSE-100 Index stood at 191.97 million shares.
Market participants welcomed signs of de-escalation between India and Pakistan, after global diplomatic efforts appeared to reduce hostilities following recent security incidents. The absence of retaliatory military actions and calls for calm from key international actors — including the United States — provided a much-needed sentiment boost.
Adding to the market’s upward momentum was cautious optimism surrounding the International Monetary Fund’s (IMF) board meeting scheduled for May 9, which is expected to approve Pakistan’s next loan tranche. Investors view the approval as a positive signal for economic stability and policy continuity in the months ahead.
The rally was broad-based, with gains led by index-heavy sectors such as banking, oil and gas, cement, power, and automobile assemblers. Major contributors to the index included OGDC, PPL, MARI, HUBCO, HBL, and PSO, all of which closed significantly in the green.
Analysts noted that a mix of improved macroeconomic sentiment and easing geopolitical fears had created a window for opportunistic buying, helping the market recover from earlier volatility.
“The market is pricing in a lower geopolitical risk premium and is optimistic about near-term economic clarity through IMF engagement,” a senior analyst at a Karachi-based brokerage said.
As investors now turn their attention to next week’s monetary policy expectations and external account developments, the PSX enters May on a strong footing — with traders watching for follow-through momentum ahead of key policy events.
