ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) experienced a robust rally on Wednesday, climbing more than 1,300 points as investors responded positively to news of a significant financial programme approved by the Asian Development Bank (ADB).
The surge comes just days before the federal budget, scheduled for June 10, adding momentum to an already bullish sentiment.
At midday, the KSE-100 Index rose 923 points, and by market close, it stood at 121,798.86, marking a total gain of 1,347.99 points or 1.12% — a new all-time high.
ADB Loan Sparks Investor Optimism
According to a statement by the Manila-based ADB, Pakistan has secured a financial assistance package worth $800 million under the “Improved Resource Mobilisation and Utilisation Reform Programme (Subprogramme 2)”.
This includes a $300 million policy-based loan and the ADB’s first-ever policy-based guarantee of $500 million, which is expected to leverage up to $1 billion in commercial financing.
Sana Tawfik, head of research at Arif Habib Limited, said the news of the ADB approval was the main driver behind the surge. “Valuations had reached attractive levels after recent corrections, and institutional buying added further liquidity to the market,” she added.
Entering Momentum Phase of Bull Run
Yousuf M. Farooq, Director of Research at Chase Securities, explained that the rally is part of a broader upward trend. “We’re entering the second phase of the bull market — moving from accumulation to momentum — driven by economic recovery signals, falling interest rates, and improving investor sentiment,” he noted.
Farooq said the market is now seeing growing public participation, rising volumes, and price-to-earnings (PE) ratio expansion, which are signs of a sustained bull run.
He added that adherence to IMF guidelines, possible reduced taxation, and progress toward digital transformation would further improve market confidence.
“These developments could also encourage more Initial Public Offerings (IPOs) and media engagement, fueling sustained growth.”
With economic stability slowly returning and global lenders backing fiscal reforms, the outlook for PSX appears increasingly optimistic ahead of the 2025 budget.
