Pakistan’s KSE-100 Index Experiences Volatility Amidst Security Operations

Pakistan’s benchmark KSE-100 index closed lower on February 25, 2026, declining by 830.92 points to 168,062.16 points from its previous close of 168,893.08 points. The index exhibited significant intraday swings, reaching a high of 169,379.97 points and a low of 165,811.87 points.

Market Performance Overview

The KSE-100 index experienced a volatile trading session, initially dropping over 1,000 points in the morning before a partial recovery during midday. Despite the rebound, the index ultimately closed in negative territory. Total trading volume reached 222,442,620 shares, with a value of Rs18,971,818,996.

Leading Stocks and Trading Activity

Unity Foods Limited led the volume chart, with 50,304,604 shares traded, although its price decreased by 9.96 percent to Rs10.67. First National Equities Limited saw gains, increasing by 1.32 percent to Rs1.54 on 36,245,681 shares. The Bank of Punjab experienced a slight decline, falling 0.35 percent to Rs31.70 on 30,604,655 shares.

Gainers and Losers

Gulistan Spinning Mills Limited emerged as the top advancer, climbing 19.42 percent to Rs6.15. Media Times Limited followed with an 11.04 percent increase to Rs6.54, and Paramount Spinning Mills Limited rose 10.77 percent to Rs5.76.

On the decliner side, LOADS Limited (Right) experienced the largest drop, plunging 37.5 percent to Rs0.40. Gulshan Spinning Mills Limited fell 10.21 percent to Rs4.22, and Escorts Investment Bank Limited slipped 10.01 percent to Rs21.57.

Impact of Security Operations

The market dip coincided with the launch of Operation Ghazab lil-Haq by Pakistan, responding to “unprovoked firing” from across the border with Afghanistan.

Recent Market Trends

Prior to Tuesday’s decline, the benchmark index had shown a slight recovery on Thursday, February 24, 2026, gaining 4,266.79 points after a period of sustained sell-offs.

Engro Holdings Results

Engro Holdings (ENGROH) released its fourth-quarter 2025 results on Friday, February 26, 2026. Analysts at Topline Securities noted that the results exceeded expectations due to a lower-than-anticipated Effective Tax Rate (ETR). Engro Holdings Limited closed 0.78 percent higher, trading at Rs271.34.