The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) came under heavy selling pressure on Monday, with the benchmark KSE-100 index plunging more than 1,500 points during early trading as heightened risk aversion prompted investors to reduce their equity exposure.
Investor sentiment was further weakened by renewed uncertainty in the Middle East after a planned meeting between Iran and other Gulf powers was postponed, raising concerns that diplomatic efforts were losing momentum.
Attacks around two of the region’s key oil transit routes also heightened fears over global energy supplies, adding to market caution.
The KSE-100 initially dropped 1,491 points, or 0.87%, to 169,020.85 within the opening minutes before intensified selling pushed the index below the 169,000 level.
By 1:39pm, the index stood at 169,112.37, down 1,399.48 points, or 0.82%, after touching an intraday low of 168,691.34.
The benchmark had closed the previous session at 170,511.85.
The index also reached an intraday high of 170,437.72, reflecting considerable volatility as investors reassessed their exposure to risk amid regional uncertainty.
Trading remained active, with approximately 141.57 million shares changing hands and the value of traded shares reaching Rs9.17 billion.
The decline below 169,000 highlighted fragile investor sentiment as the PSX began the new trading week under sustained selling pressure.