The benchmark KSE-100 Index closed at 179,927.04, shedding 2,314.73 points, or 1.27%, from the previous close of 182,241.77
KARACHI: (UrduPoint/Pakistan Point News-July 13rd, 2026) pakistan stock exchange (psx) witnessed a sharp decline on Monday as escalating tensions between the United States and Iran, coupled with a surge in global oil prices, triggered widespread selling across the market.
The benchmark KSE-100 Index closed at 179,927.04, shedding 2,314.73 points, or 1.27%, from the previous close of 182,241.77.
During intraday trading, the index fell to a low of 179,448.52, down 2,793.25 points (1.53%), before recovering some losses. Its highest level during the session was 181,148.26, still lower by 1,093.51 points, or 0.6%, from the previous close.
Market analysts attributed the decline to growing geopolitical uncertainty in the middle East and rising concerns over the economic impact of higher crude oil prices.
Ahsan Mehanti, Managing Director and CEO of Arif Habib Commodities, said the renewed escalation between the United States and Iran weighed heavily on investor confidence. He noted that rising global oil prices had intensified fears of higher inflation and potential pressure on Pakistan's external account, prompting investors to adopt a cautious approach.
Brokerage firms also warned that market sentiment could remain volatile as long as geopolitical tensions persist and energy prices continue to rise.
Huzaifa Riaz, Director at Mayari Securities, said investors remained cautious after renewed hostilities pushed international oil prices higher. However, he added that buying interest emerged at lower levels amid expectations that diplomatic efforts could eventually help ease regional tensions.
Global oil prices climbed by more than 4% on Monday following renewed military exchanges between the United States and Iran, raising concerns over possible disruptions to energy supplies through the strategically important Strait of Hormuz.
The decline erased the gains recorded in the previous trading session, when the KSE-100 Index had advanced 982.10 points, or 0.54%, to close at 182,241.78.
