Monday, March 30 2026

KSE-100 sheds over 3,700 points as geopolitical risks deepen
Negative sentiments were observed at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) over the risk of a long war in the Middle East. The benchmark KSE-100 Index lost over 3,700 points during the opening minutes of trading on Monday. At 10:40am, the benchmark index was hovering at 147,950.31, a decrease of 3,757.20 points or 2.48%. Selling was observed in key sectors, including automobile assemblers, cement, commercial banks, oil and gas exploration companies, OMCs, power generation and refinery. Index-heavy stocks, including ARL, HUBCO, MARI, OGDC, PPL, HBL, MEBL, MCB and NBP, traded in the red. Pakistan said it was preparing to host “meaningful talks” to end the conflict over Iran in the coming days, even though Tehran earlier accused Washington of preparing a land assault as the U.S. military sends more troops to the region.
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BMP raises concerns over declining exports to EU
Pakistan’s export sector is facing mounting pressure as shipments to key European markets show signs of stagnation, despite continued access under the GSP+ scheme. The Businessmen Panel of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry has raised serious concerns over the declining momentum, warning that without immediate corrective measures, the country risks losing its competitive edge in global markets. BMP Chairman and former FPCCI President Mian Anjum Nisar stated that Pakistan’s exports to the European Union grew only marginally by 0.95 percent to USD 6.122 billion during July to February of fiscal year 2025-26, a figure that remains largely stagnant when adjusted for inflation and rising costs.
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ABL strengthens position via risk management, strategic capital allocation and diversification
Allied Bank continues to strengthen its competitive position through prudent risk management, strategic capital allocation, and diversification across investment and lending portfolios. Its steadfast commitment to operational excellence and digital transformation has not only elevated the customer experience but also reinforced the foundation for sustainable, long-term growth. Allied Bank’s net markup and interest income reached Rs. 105,000 million during the year ended December 31, 2025 as compared to Rs. 115,223 million during last year, decreasing by Rs. 10,223 million or 9 percent. The Bank recorded markup up/ interest income of Rs. 297,228 million for the year ended December 31, 2025, compared to Rs. 376,760 million in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year decrease of 21 percent.
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Weekly Cotton Review: Prices surge by Rs1000/maund, likely to soar to Rs20,000
Cotton prices in Pakistan have recorded an increase of one thousand rupees per maund, with ginners expressing expectations that rates may soon reach twenty thousand rupees per maund. Despite the price movement, trading volumes remained limited and market activity has yet to fully recover. Polyester fibre prices have also witnessed a significant rise, adding further pressure on the textile industry’s cost structure. The ongoing delay in the merger of the Pakistan Central Cotton Committee and the Pakistan Agricultural Research Council continues to cause serious concern within the cotton industry. Stakeholders warn that the prolonged delay is adversely affecting research and development in the cotton sector. The textile industry has also raised alarm over the alleged misuse of the Export Financing Scheme, demanding immediate investigation by relevant authorities. Experts have emphasized that emergency measures must be taken on a war footing to enhance cotton production across the country.
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Prices of daily kitchen items show upward trend
Upward trend in prices of daily kitchen items was witnessed in the retail market, said a weekly market-survey conducted by Business Recorder here on Sunday. The survey noticed that rates of vegetables, fruits, cooking oil, live chicken/meat, flour, sugar, and grocery items have touched a new peak in the open market. Buyers consistently flayed provincial government and local administration over keeping a complete mum over artificial rates, charged by vendors on various pretexts. Is any authority to keep check on the overpricing by the shopkeepers, say Najma, a housewife while buying vegetables in the local market here? A one kilogramme live chicken was being sold at Rs430 whereas farm eggs remained unchanged in the retail market, according to the survey. Similarly, the survey noted a kilogram of cow meat without bone was available at Rs1350. Mutton beef was being sold from Rs 2500 to Rs 3000 per kg in the open market.
Related news categories: business economic-indicators misc