The Karachi Stock Exchange (KSE-100) witnessed a significant drop, plummeting by 1,265 points to close at 111,987, with a total of 207 million shares changing hands.
According to Taurus Securities Limited, the market’s top performers in terms of price change included PKGS, AGP, and NATF, whereas ENGROH, AIRLINK, and SEARL faced the most substantial declines. Trading activity was predominantly focused on the banking, technology, and cement sectors.
In other economic developments, Pakistan’s trade deficit soared by 33% year-on-year to reach $2.3 billion in February 2025. Additionally, the government plans to collect Rs250 billion from retailers in an effort to address the fiscal shortfall.
Amid these financial shifts, the government’s Economic Framework Facility (EFF) program with the International Monetary Fund is reportedly progressing as planned. Meanwhile, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government has launched an interest-free loan scheme, and SMEDA is expanding its industrial stitching project to boost economic activities.
In the energy sector, the government dismissed any speculation regarding the forced revision of Independent Power Producer (IPP) contracts. Furthermore, a report by the Pakistan Cotton Ginners Association highlighted a significant decline in cotton production. However, on a positive note, petroleum dealers have called off their planned strike.
In a legal matter, a US arbitrator has rejected an ex-CEO’s attempt to block a tender offer by TRG Pakistan, marking another development in the corporate landscape.