Monday, February 23 2026

Buying returns to bourse, KSE-100 up nearly 500 points in early trade
Buying returned to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) with the US and Iran headed for a third round of nuclear talks, easing concerns about a potential conflict. The benchmark KSE-100 Index gained nearly 500 points during the opening minutes of trading on Monday. At 9:30am, the benchmark index was hovering at 173,640.80, an increase of 471.09 points or 0.27%. Buying interest 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, OGDC, PPL, MCB, MEBL and NBP, traded in the green. During the previous week, escalating geopolitical tensions between the United States and Iran triggered a sharp risk-off reaction across global financial markets, with Pakistan’s equity benchmark suffering a pronounced correction amid heightened uncertainty and rising oil prices.
Related news categories: business economic-indicators psx stock-exchanges

Maple Leaf Cement acquires 88.28% stake in Pioneer Cement, gains control
Maple Leaf Cement Factory Limited (MLCF) has acquired control of Pioneer Cement Limited (PIOC) after completing a public offer and additional share purchases, raising its collective shareholding to 88.28%, rendering PIOC its subsidiary. MLCF disclosed the development in a notice to the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) on Monday. “MLCF hereby submit that we have fulfilled all obligations as stipulated under the Securities Act, 2015 and the Listed Companies (Substantial Acquisition of Voting Shares and Takeovers) Regulations, 2017 in relation to the public offer for the acquisition of up to 26,623,096 ordinary shares (constituting 11.72% of the shareholding interest) and control of PIOC,” read the notice. MLCF further shared that following a Share Purchase Agreement dated December 17, 2025, the cement maker has also acquired 131,820,554 ordinary shares, i.e. 58.03% of the shareholding interest of PIOC on February 20, 2026.
Related news categories: business cement economic-indicators psx stock-exchanges
Related symbols: mlcf (news stock) pioc (news stock)

Mobile tariffs, service quality: ‘PTA committed to addressing concerns’
The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has assured that it will address recent concerns raised on social media regarding mobile tariffs, service quality, and unauthorised deductions, reaffirming its unwavering commitment to consumer protection. To create a structured and fair tariff framework, PTA has notified the Mobile Tariff Regulations, 2025, said a news release. Under these regulations, operators with Significant Market Power (SMP) are strictly required to obtain prior approval from PTA for any introduction or revision of tariffs. Other operators may determine their tariffs based on business considerations, but remain subject to PTA’s right to intervene if tariffs are found to be detrimental to consumer interests. While PTA acts as a guardian of consumer interests, it also recognises that sustainable market conditions are necessary. It is important to note that Pakistan continues to have one of the lowest Average Revenue Per User (ARPU) and most affordable mobile data prices in the region.
Related news categories: business economic-indicators tech-comm

3.2pc growth target: BMP panel raises doubts over govt’s ability
The Businessmen Panel (BMP) of the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce and Industry has raised serious doubts over the government’s ability to achieve the 3.2 per cent growth target projected under the International Monetary Fund programme, warning that worsening poverty indicators, declining investment, falling exports and record government borrowing present a far grimmer economic picture than official claims suggest. BMP Chairman and former FPCCI president Mian Anjum Nisar, in a strongly worded statement, said that although macroeconomic indicators such as inflation and the current account balance have shown relative stability, the real economy remains under severe strain. He said that stabilisation achieved through tight monetary policy and import compression cannot be mistaken for genuine economic recovery.
Related news categories: business economic-indicators misc

Dollar dips as Trump’s tariff wall slips
The dollar fell on Monday as traders took the US Supreme Court’s decision to strike down most of President Donald Trump’s tariffs as supportive for global growth, though confusion and risk of conflict in the Middle East kept moves relatively small. The euro was up 0.4% to $1.1823 and sterling rose by a similar margin to $1.3521 early in Asia trade, which was lightened a little by a holiday in Japan and China’s Lunar New Year break. The dollar fell 0.4% to 154.42 yen. The Supreme Court found on Friday Trump’s sweeping tariffs exceeded his authority. Trump has responded by lashing out at the court and imposing a blanket 15% levy on imports, as well as insisting higher-tariff deals with trade partners should stay. “It weakens the dollar in the sense that it potentially benefits non-U.S. growth,” said Sim Moh Siong, currency strategist at OCBC Bank in Singapore.
Related news categories: business misc