KARACHI (Kashmir English): Trading activity at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) was suspended earlier today after a dramatic drop of more than 6,000 points sent shockwaves through the market.
According to standard market protocols, a 30-minute halt was enforced to curb extreme volatility and give investors time to evaluate the ongoing situation.
On the morning of April 7, 2025, the benchmark KSE-100 index suffered a steep decline, falling by 4,411.07 points, or 3.71 per cent, to reach 114,380.59 by 11:39AM. The market, which had opened at 117,601.62, steadily trended downward throughout the morning, hitting the day’s low at 114,380.59. Over 147 million shares were traded in what quickly became one of the most turbulent sessions in recent memory.
Despite a robust performance over the past year, showing a 64.29 per cent gain, the index has now dipped into negative territory for 2025, with the year-to-date return standing at -0.65 per cent. In the previous session, the index had closed at 118,791.66.
Today’s trading range fluctuated between 114,380.59 and 117,601.62. The broader 52-week range remains between 68,710.50 and 120,796.67.
Market sentiment remains tense, as investors respond to growing political instability, macroeconomic uncertainty, and shifting global cues: factors analysts say are fuelling the latest selloff.
Because of the sudden drop the marketplace saw numerous margin requirements become due throughout the entire market. KSE-100 index suffered the largest ever decline of 6,287 points which pushed brokers to ask investors to provide additional assets to cover their securities funded through financing.
The current panic in markets has been intensified because traders currently struggle to fulfill their margin requirements.
Earlier in the day, the PSX had already shown signs of distress. By 10:09 AM, the KSE-100 had already slipped 3,377.57 points, or 2.84 per cent, down to 115,414.09. Trading volume had reached 63.14 million shares during the early hours.
Despite the day’s setback, the KSE-100 had recorded a strong 65.78 per cent increase over the past 12 months. The performance of the index stands at 0.25 per cent throughout the year so far.
The indexes monitored by observers are KSE100, KSE30, ALLSHR, and KMI30, in addition to BKTI, OGTI, and PSXDIV20. Those participating in the market keep a watchful eye on economic statistics and corporate earnings as these factors may determine forthcoming market direction.
Business activity in Azad Jammu and Kashmirs (AJK) receives no direct impact from the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), yet its indirect effects are noticeable. Azad Kashmir’s economic stability also depends on trading activities with Pakistan’s other regions, and this dependence reacts to the national economic patterns represented through PSX performance.
