PSX closes above 165,000 points amid geopolitical tensions, rising oil prices

Pakistan's benchmark KSE-100 Index ended marginally lower on Thursday, shedding 293 points to close at 165,517, as geopolitical tensions and surging oil prices kept investors on edge. The market witnessed heightened volatility throughout the session, with the index plunging more than 3,500 points intraday before recovering some losses. The decline was largely driven by weak regional cues and a sharp rise in global oil prices, which hovered near $97–98 per barrel amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Investor sentiment remained fragile as concerns grew over renewed Israeli strikes in Lebanon and uncertainty surrounding Iran-US negotiations. Analysts noted that higher oil prices could exacerbate Pakistan's external account pressures, adding to caution in equity markets, said Ahmed Sheraz, analyst at KASB KTrade. Market Snapshot – April 9th, 2026 Unlock today's market mov...