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March 30, 2026
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“Volatility Persists as Geopolitical Risks Keep Market Under Pressure”
The Pakistan Stock Exchange witnessed another brutal session as risk-off sentiment deepened, dragging the benchmark KSE-100 Index down by 4,864 points (-3.21%) to close at 146,843. The market remained under sustained pressure throughout the session, reflecting heightened investor anxiety amid escalating geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic uncertainty.
Selling was broad-based, with heavyweights across banking, energy, and cement sectors leading the decline. The index briefly attempted intraday stabilization but failed to regain momentum, highlighting weak conviction and persistent distribution. Market capitalization shrank by PKR 470bn, reinforcing the intensity of the sell-off.
Trading activity, however, remained elevated, with 308mn shares traded in the KSE-100 and 522mn shares in the broader market, indicating continued participation amid volatility. Volume leaders included KEL (56.5mn), BOP (35.9mn), and DSL (31.6mn), reflecting active churn in speculative counters.
On the performance front, MUREB (+0.68%) and MTL (+0.65%) managed marginal gains, while heavy losses were recorded in MEHT (-10%), GADT (-9.96%), and GAL (-9.13%), underscoring the bearish breadth across the board.
From a flow perspective, foreign investors maintained their selling stance, while local participation remained mixed with selective absorption. The dominance of sellers, particularly institutional profit-taking, continues to weigh on sentiment.
Looking ahead, market direction will remain highly sensitive to geopolitical developments and external cues. Until clarity emerges, volatility is expected to persist. Investors are advised to remain cautious, avoid aggressive positioning, and focus on fundamentally strong stocks with defensive characteristics.
“In volatile markets, patience is not optional — it’s strategy.”
— TradeFlow Advisors
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