Market ‌Performance​ Overview

The PSX opened on a volatile⁤ note, initially facing selling pressure. However,sustained institutional buying ⁤throughout the session‌ provided stability​ and upward ‍momentum. The benchmark KSE-100 ⁣index closed higher, bolstered⁢ by significant contributions from leading companies.

Fauji Fertiliser, ⁣Meezan Bank, Habib bank, National Bank, ​and Oil and Gas Advancement Company were​ the primary drivers ⁣of the rally, collectively adding approximately ⁣1,058 points to the index’s overall ‍gain. This demonstrates⁢ the influence of blue-chip stocks on market direction.

Market ‍participation increased, with total‍ trading volume rising by 7.76% to 636.4 million shares. ‍Traded value surged by 39.59% to Rs30.9 billion,indicating heightened investor activity. WorldCall Telecom led in volume,⁤ with 47 million shares traded, potentially reflecting⁢ speculative interest or a⁣ specific market event ⁣related to the⁣ company.

Expert Analysis and ‍Future‍ Outlook

Ali ‌najib, ⁢Deputy Head of trading at Arif Habib Ltd,‍ noted that signs of recovery emerged ‌despite ⁣a weak opening. He​ attributed the rebound to “value-hunters” who stepped in ⁤to provide support and push the benchmark into positive territory. this suggests a strategic response from investors identifying‌ undervalued‌ assets.

Analysts predict that market momentum will continue to strengthen as the rollover week progresses. ⁢They anticipate the index may approach⁤ the 16,500 level in the remaining two trading sessions. This optimistic outlook is contingent on sustained investor confidence and favorable market ⁢conditions.

Rising Unemployment Rate Raises Concerns

Despite the positive market performance, Pakistan’s unemployment rate increased to ​7.1%, the highest level in 21 years. This data, released by⁣ the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics, highlights a significant challenge for the nation’s economy.

Planning Minister Ahsan ​Iqbal attributed the rise to the ongoing⁤ International Monetary fund (IMF) program and climate-related‍ disruptions. He explained ⁢that these factors constrained economic activity and hindered job creation.The number of unemployed individuals increased ⁤by 31%, rising from 4.5 million in 2020-21‌ to 5.9 million in 2024-25.⁣ This represents a considerable increase in joblessness and underscores‌ the economic pressures facing the country.

The⁣ IMF program, while aimed at stabilizing the economy, ofen involves austerity measures ‌that‌ can temporarily slow growth and lead to job⁢ losses. Climate-related disruptions, ‌such as floods​ and droughts,⁣ further exacerbate these challenges by impacting agricultural output and disrupting ⁣supply chains.