A Pakistani stockbroker monitors share prices at the Pakistan Stock Exchange in Karachi, April 8, 2025. — INP
The bourse opened strong on Tuesday after the Eid holidays, as investors welcomed growth signals from the Economic Survey and braced for fresh fiscal measures in the federal budget to be unveiled later in the day.
The Pakistan Stock Exchange’s (PSX) benchmark KSE-100 Index climbed to an intraday high of 122,611.53, gaining 970.53 points, or 0.80%, before retreating to a low of 121,589.90, reflecting a marginal drop of 51.10 points, or 0.04%.
In the Economic Survey 2024–25 presented on Monday, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb revealed that Pakistan’s economy grew by 2.7% in the outgoing fiscal year, slightly below the original 3.6% target. Inflation eased to 4.6%, while exports increased 7% and IT exports touched $2.8 billion. Freelancers contributed $400 million in earnings.
Aurangzeb also reported a current account surplus of $1.9 billion for July–April and a 26% jump in revenue collection. Remittances rose by $10 billion over two years.
The federal budget 2025–26 will be tabled in parliament later today. The proposed outlay is Rs17.6 trillion, with the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) tasked with collecting Rs14.02 trillion in taxes—up from revised estimates of Rs12.33 trillion in FY25.
According to the Economic Survey, the KSE-100 Index surged by 50.2% over the fiscal year, supported by macroeconomic stability, declining interest rates, strong corporate earnings, and a successful International Monetary Fund (IMF) review. The PSX outperformed several major global bourses, with six new company listings bringing the total to 527 by March 2025.
The previous session, held before the Eid holidays, had seen the index close at 121,641 points, down -157.86 points, or -0.13%.
