PSX sheds 1,494 points amid selling pressure

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) witnessed a decline on Friday as the benchmark KSE-100 Index shed 1,494.09 points, or 0.85 per cent, to reach 173,885.77 before trading was suspended for the regular Friday prayers break.

The market opened on a negative note and remained volatile during the morning session. The index initially climbed to an intraday high of 174,329.76 but later came under selling pressure, falling to a low of 172,809.89.

At the time of the midday suspension, the benchmark stood significantly below its previous close of 175,379.86 points.

Trading activity remained moderate, with 112.19 million shares changing hands. The total value of shares traded reached Rs7.38 billion.

Market sentiment remained cautious as investors booked profits following recent gains and assessed ongoing economic and geopolitical developments.

Selling pressure was particularly visible in selected blue-chip stocks from the banking, cement and energy sectors, weighing on the overall market performance.

Trading was scheduled to resume after the Friday prayers break and continue until the regular market close.

Investors were expected to monitor the second half of the session for fresh corporate announcements and external developments that could influence market direction ahead of the weekend.