The Pakistan Stock Exchange closed higher on Thursday, with the benchmark KSE-100 index gaining 248.92 points, or 0.15%, to settle at 171,402.08 points.
The index moved between an intraday high of 171,680.74 points and a low of 170,866.94 points during the session.
Market sentiment received support from easing international oil prices and expectations of a possible de-escalation between the United States and Iran. These developments helped reduce concerns over inflation and pressures on Pakistan’s external account. However, continued geopolitical uncertainty kept investors cautious and limited overall gains.
Mari Energies, Pakistan Petroleum, Hub Power, Fauji Cement and Lucky Cement were among the major contributors to the index, collectively adding around 233 points. Bank Al-Habib, Fauji Fertiliser and MCB Bank emerged as the leading drags, together reducing the index by approximately 172 points.
Investor interest strengthened during the session as value buying emerged amid developments surrounding regional energy supplies and diplomatic efforts related to the Strait of Hormuz.
Reports indicated that Iran had offered to reopen the strategic waterway within seven days if the United States eased military pressure and lifted its blockade. The development came as Iran’s president arrived in New York for the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly.
A petroleum marketing company reported FY26 earnings of Rs4.976 billion, with earnings per share of Rs3.00, marking a 69% year-on-year increase.
However, fourth-quarter FY26 earnings declined 10% year-on-year to Rs570 million, with earnings per share at Rs0.30. The decline was attributed mainly to inventory losses, lower government-oil supplies and the absence of volumetric discounts.
Dealer margins remained unchanged at Rs8.64 per litre, while the company announced a final cash dividend of Rs1 per share.
Market participation weakened during the session, with trading volume declining 7.36% to 641.8 million shares.
The total value of traded shares also fell 8.13% to Rs18.4 billion, reflecting subdued investor activity despite the market’s positive close.
