Pakistan Stock Market Overview — October 2025
The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) closed in the red on October 24, 2025, as major indices and leading stocks faced a significant decline. The KSE100 index dropped by 1,286 points (-0.78%), closing at 163,304 points. Similarly, the BR30 index decreased by 781.9 points (-1.41%), while BR100 saw a loss of 151 points (-0.87%).
The negative trend was primarily driven by pressure in banking, cement, energy, and technology sectors. Despite a few positive performances, overall market sentiment remained cautious amid ongoing economic and political uncertainties.
Banking Sector Takes a Hit
The banking sector witnessed sharp declines, with several key players losing ground.
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Bank of Punjab (BOP) dropped by 5.64%, closing at Rs 37.00, reflecting investor concerns over financial performance and liquidity trends.
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National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) slipped by 2.13%, ending the day at Rs 204.99.
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BankIslami (BML) also decreased by 2.43%, settling at Rs 6.82.
Analysts suggest that profit-taking, rising interest rate speculation, and global economic uncertainty have impacted investor confidence in the banking sector.
Cement Sector Shows Weak Performance
Cement stocks remained under pressure due to lower demand expectations and higher production costs.
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DG Khan Cement (DGKC) fell 0.76%, closing at Rs 234.28.
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Fauji Cement (FCCL) lost 2.03%, finishing at Rs 55.60.
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Maple Leaf Cement (MLCF) decreased by 1.36%, closing at Rs 97.50.
Industry experts highlight that the ongoing slowdown in construction projects and fluctuating coal prices are key factors behind the declining performance in cement stocks.
Energy Sector Mixed: K-Electric Plunges While SNGP Gains
The energy sector showed mixed results. K-Electric (KEL) saw one of the steepest drops of the day, falling 7.57% to close at Rs 5.62. The stock faced pressure following reports of a tariff dispute between KE and NEPRA, which continues to affect investor sentiment.
In contrast, Sui Northern Gas Pipelines Limited (SNGP) posted a gain of 3.76%, rising to Rs 134.57. The stock benefited from optimism around new infrastructure projects and potential tariff revisions.
Similarly, Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL) inched up 0.32%, closing at Rs 195.09, while Sui Southern Gas Company (SSGC) slipped 0.77%, ending at Rs 39.82.
LOTCHEM Leads the Gainers List
Among the top performers, Lotte Chemical (LOTCHEM) stood out as a key gainer, increasing 5.3% to close at Rs 27.60. Analysts attribute the upward movement to strong quarterly results and improved international PTA (Purified Terephthalic Acid) prices.
This positive momentum in LOTCHEM offered some relief to an otherwise bearish trading session.
Technology and Telecom Stocks Under Pressure
The technology and telecom sectors continued to struggle amid macroeconomic challenges.
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Pakistan Telecommunication Company Limited (PTC) declined 3.79%, closing at Rs 37.87.
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WorldCall Telecom (WTL) dropped 6.22% to Rs 1.96, reflecting weak investor confidence.
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Telecard Limited (TELE) decreased by 4.98%, ending at Rs 12.60.
Experts point to the increasing cost of imports, fluctuating exchange rates, and slow 5G deployment as major obstacles affecting these companies’ profitability.
Industrial Stocks and Manufacturing Sees Broad Weakness
Industrial shares also saw declines across the board.
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Pakistan Cables (PAEL) fell 1.21% to Rs 54.60.
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Cherat Packaging (CPHL) slipped 0.72%, finishing at Rs 88.85.
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Treet Corporation (TREET) decreased by 4.07% to Rs 32.31.
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Tri-Pack Films (TRG) declined by 1.88%, closing at Rs 71.43.
The drop in industrial stocks is being linked to weak export performance, inflationary pressures, and higher borrowing costs impacting production and margins.
Market Leaders and Laggards
The biggest losers of the day included K-Electric, Bank of Punjab, Ghani Chemical (GCIL), and PIA Holdings, all of which recorded drops between 5% and 7%.
On the other hand, Lotte Chemical, SNGP, and PPL led the gainers’ list, signaling selective buying in energy and chemical sectors despite overall market weakness.
Economic Uncertainty Weighs on Market Sentiment
Investor confidence remains low as macroeconomic instability continues to impact Pakistan’s financial markets. Concerns around the rupee’s depreciation, rising inflation, and interest rate uncertainty have made investors cautious.
Additionally, geopolitical tensions and policy delays have further dampened optimism. Experts believe that clarity on upcoming fiscal reforms and energy policy could help restore stability in the coming weeks.
K-Electric and the Power Sector Outlook
K-Electric’s performance remains a major concern for investors. The KE-Nepra tariff dispute has yet to be resolved, and delays in decision-making continue to affect the company’s financial outlook. Market watchers note that unless the government intervenes to finalize a tariff agreement, K-Electric’s stock may continue to face downward pressure.
Meanwhile, other power companies like HUBCO (Hub Power Company) also saw minor declines, dropping 0.68% to close at Rs 213.18.
Global Market Influence
The decline in PSX also mirrors a broader regional trend, as Asian markets faced selling pressure due to concerns over US-China trade talks. Investors globally are adopting a wait-and-see approach ahead of key economic meetings between the two nations.
The uncertain international outlook is leading investors to move towards safe-haven assets, reducing interest in emerging markets like Pakistan.
Analyst Insights and Future Outlook
Market analysts believe that while short-term volatility may continue, the long-term outlook for PSX remains positive if economic reforms are implemented effectively.
Brokerage firms suggest that value stocks and export-oriented companies may offer better returns once stability improves.
Furthermore, improved corporate earnings, a stable rupee, and lower inflation could help the market regain strength by the end of Q4 FY26.
Conclusion
The Pakistan Stock Market experienced another challenging trading day as most sectors closed in the red. The KSE100 index and key shares like BOP, K-Electric, DGKC, and NBP dragged the overall market down. However, gainers like LOTCHEM and SNGP provided a glimmer of optimism.
While short-term sentiment remains bearish, investors are hopeful that the government’s economic recovery measures and policy clarity could revive market confidence soon.
Read More: K-Electric’s Big Shock
