The benchmark KSE-100 Index at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed below the crucial 169,000-point level on Tuesday after intense selling pressure in heavyweight banking and industrial stocks erased early gains.
Official market figures showed the KSE-100 Index closed at 168,916.22 points, down by 1,590.09 points or 0.93 percent compared to the previous trading session.
The market started the day on a positive note, opening at 170,758.15 points and climbing to an intraday high of 171,571.56 points. However, persistent selling pressure later pushed the benchmark to an intraday low of 168,823.32 points.
Investors remained cautious amid uncertainty in the broader financial market, while institutional selling in major index-heavy stocks accelerated the downturn during late-session trading.
UBL emerged as the biggest dragger on the KSE-100 Index with a negative impact of 181.64 points. Other major contributors to the decline included Lucky Cement, Engro Holdings, Habib Bank Limited, and HUBCO.
Despite the broader bearish momentum, several stocks posted gains. TRG Pakistan remained the top positive contributor by adding 75.70 points to the index, followed by Meezan Bank with 24.38 points. Airlink Communication and Cnergyico also supported the market.
The PSX report showed total index constituent volume at 424.80 million shares, reflecting sustained market activity.
Financial experts said investors are expected to remain watchful ahead of upcoming economic indicators, monetary policy expectations, and corporate announcements that could shape near-term market direction.