Trading at the Pakistan Stock Exchange remained under pressure on Friday as the benchmark KSE-100 Index recorded a decline of more than two percent by the end of the session.
Market data released after the close of trading showed that the index finished the day at 157,496.10 points, compared with the opening level of 161,435.83 points.
This represents a drop of 3,714.58 points, reflecting strong selling activity in several key sectors including banking, fertilizers, and cement.
During the session, the index struggled to maintain upward momentum. After opening at its peak level of 161,435.83 points, the market gradually moved downward as investors booked profits and reduced positions.
The lowest level recorded during the day was 157,072.65 points before the index recovered slightly toward the closing bell.
Market observers noted that the decline was mainly driven by large-capitalization companies whose movements significantly influence the benchmark index.
United Bank Limited was the biggest negative contributor, pulling the index down by over 435 points.
Engro Holdings followed with a decline of approximately 368 points, while Fauji Fertilizer Company reduced the index by about 278 points.
Lucky Cement and Hub Power Company also contributed to the downward pressure, collectively dragging the index by more than 450 points.
Despite the overall bearish trend, some companies managed to provide support to the market.
Attock Refinery Limited led the gainers and added nearly 32 points to the index. Service Industries Limited also performed well, contributing more than 26 points.
Other positive contributors included DH Partners Limited, Pakistan Services Limited, and Cherat Cement Company.
Trading activity remained active, with index constituent volume reaching around 196.19 million shares.
Market analysts believe that investor participation remains strong despite short-term uncertainty.
The financial year-to-date return of the KSE-100 Index remains impressive at 25.37 percent, indicating that the market has performed well over the longer period.
However, the index has declined by about 9.51 percent since the beginning of the calendar year.
Experts say investors should consider long-term investment strategies and evaluate company fundamentals before making decisions.
They added that economic indicators, corporate earnings, and global market trends will continue to play an important role in shaping investor sentiment in the coming weeks.
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