PSX Hits All-Time High After Power Tariff Relief

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) hit an all-time high on Friday, following the government’s major announcement of reduced electricity tariffs for both domestic and industrial users. According to local media reports, the PSX’s benchmark KSE-100 index surged 1,854.57 points, or 1.54%, during the opening session, reaching an unprecedented level of 120,792.68 points.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif expressed satisfaction over the development, stating that the milestone reflects growing investor trust in the government’s economic direction. In a statement from the PM Office, he emphasized that the Pakistan Stock Exchange hitting an all-time high mirrors confidence in policy reforms, particularly the decision to lower electricity rates.

“The significant drop in power tariffs offers substantial relief to households and serves as a positive signal for industrial and business sectors,” the prime minister said. He attributed recent improvements in the economic landscape to the government’s consistent policies, highlighting macroeconomic stability achieved over the past year.

The government reiterated its commitment to maintaining a business- and investor-friendly environment, ensuring sustained economic recovery.

Market analysts pointed out that the bullish trend was largely driven by the announcement of reduced electricity costs, which energized investor sentiment across sectors. Additionally, institutional backing for the recently approved IMF bailout terms, including efforts to address the Rs1.5 trillion circular debt crisis, contributed to the sharp rally.

The momentum built on Thursday’s upward trend, where the KSE-100 index, after briefly dipping 200 points, eventually climbed by 1,131.37 points or 0.95%, closing at 118,938.11 points.

Friday’s trading session saw a total of 452 companies exchanging shares. Out of these, 247 recorded gains, 154 faced losses, and 51 remained unchanged.

Analysts warned that despite the positive momentum at home, global uncertainties—such as U.S. President Donald Trump’s declaration of 10% reciprocal tariffs on global imports, including stricter trade measures against China and the EU—could continue to influence local market volatility.