Morning News: President to undertake three-day Bahrain visit – By HMFS Research

Jan 13 2026


HMFS Research


  • President Asif Ali Zardari will undertake an official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain from January 13-16, 2026. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation. The visit seeks to reinforce Pakistan’s longstanding cooperation with the brotherly Gulf nation while expanding opportunities for collaboration in trade and economic partnership, defence and security, and people-to-people ties.
  • The government on Monday rolled out a long-term master plan to establish a Port Industrial Complex at Port Qasim, a project expected to strengthen Pakistan’s industrial base, boost exports and enhance the port’s role as a regional trade and logistics hub. The plan was announced by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry. During the meeting, the minister said Port Qasim’s integrated planning and phased development were designed to transform the port into a globally competitive industrial and logistics hub, aligned with Pakistan’s broader objectives of trade expansion, industrialization and blue economy growth. the master plan spans a total area of more than 14,590 acres, structured to ensure balanced industrial development, efficient port operations and sustainable land use over five decades. The maritime minister noted the industrial complex has been divided into three zones, including the North Western Zone, the Eastern Zone and the South Western Zone. “The North Western Zone, covering 3,061 acres, has been earmarked for diversified industrial activity, supporting value-added manufacturing and ancillary services linked to port operations,” he added. He said the Eastern Zone, the largest component of the complex at 7,273 acres, is being developed as the primary industrial backbone, offering space for heavy industries, export-oriented units and logistics facilities. Chaudhry added that the South Western Zone, spread over 2,258 acres, has been allocated for specialized industrial and commercial uses, while 1,997 acres of low-lying area are being managed through phased development and environmental safeguards to ensure sustainable utilization.
Pakistan Market Wrap: Evening Chronicle – By AHCML Research

Jan 14 2026


Al Habib Capital Markets


  • The KSE-100 Index experienced a volatile session, hitting an intraday high of 184,726.60 before closing at 182,569.81, down 1,382 points (-0.75%) as profit-taking set in. Selling pressure was evident across key sectors, particularly Commercial Banks, accounting for nearly half of total index losses, while cement and fertilizer names also saw heavy selling. Power and telecom sectors contributed to broader downside, showing risk-off sentiment across cyclical and defensive sectors alike.
  • On the macro front, the World Bank projects Pakistan’s GDP growth at 3% in FY25–26, rising to 3.4% in FY26–27, supported by agricultural recovery and post-flood reconstruction. However, the current account deficit is expected to widen in FY26–27 due to rising import demand and normalization of remittances. Among major laggards, UBL, MCB, FFC, LUCK and HUBC, which cumulatively shaved -897.26 points off the benchmark. KEL led trading with 56.27 million shares, as total market turnover reached 1,031.36 million shares.
Pakistan Market Wrap: Correction Persists Amid Geopolitical Overhangs – By HMFS Research

Jan 14 2026


HMFS Research


  • The KSE-100 Index remained under correction phase, extending its decline amid heightened geopolitical tensions that continued to weigh on investor sentiment. The cautious environment dragged the benchmark to close at 182,570, marking a decline of 1,382 points from the previous session. Despite the broader weakness, improving domestic economic fundamentals and the anticipation of upcoming corporate earnings provided selective support, with pockets of buying observed across specific sectors. Trading activity remained steady, with 444mn shares exchanged on the KSE-100 Index and 1.03bn shares traded in the broader market.
  • Volume leadership was dominated by KEL (56mn), WTL (56mn), and PIBTL (48mn), reflecting sustained participation despite the corrective phase. While near-term sentiment remains sensitive to geopolitical developments, potential strategic tailwinds are emerging. Prospective defence agreements with Turkey, possible defence exports to Indonesia, and advancing discussions around a minerals partnership with Saudi Arabia could strengthen foreign inflows and reinforce investor confidence, providing upside catalysts for the equity market. However, any further escalation in global or regional tensions may prolong profit taking activity. In this environment, investors are advised to maintain a vigilant and disciplined approach, focusing on fundamentally strong stocks that offer durable long-term growth potential.
Pakistan Market Wrap: KSE-100 closes at 182,570 down 1,382 points – By Alpha-Akseer Research

Jan 14 2026


Alpha Capital


  • The equity market opened on a positive footing but remained volatile throughout the session, eventually closing in negative territory. The KSE-100 Index touched an intraday high of 184,727 and a low of 182,370 before settling at 182,570, posting a decline of 1,382 points. Total volumes on the main board stood at 443.3 million shares, with a traded value of PKR 48.9 billion.
  • The index's downturn was primarily driven by selling pressure in UBL (-2.1%, -300 points), MCB (-2.7%, -170 points), FFC (-1%, -164 points), LUCK (-2%, -151 points), and HUBC (-1.2%, -89 points). On the activity front, KEL and PIBTL dominated volumes, recording 56.3 million and 47.5 million shares, respectively.
Pakistan Cement: Profitability to drop 5% YoY in 2QFY26 – By Foundation Research

Jan 14 2026


Foundation Securities


  • FSL Cement universe profitability is forecasted to slide 5% YoY in 2QFY26 despite uptick in domestic sales and easing coal prices. This suppression in the profitability is mainly accredited to (1) normalization of gross margins, (2) higher energy cost, (3) lower exports due to Afghan border closure along with 23% YoY dip in South exports, and (4) weak prices (down 6% YoY).
  • On a quarterly basis, profitability is estimated to recede 19% QoQ in 2QFY26 owing to (1) weak domestic prices in North, (2) shift in energy mix, (3) slump in exports by 21% QoQ, and (4) attrition in other income.
Pakistan Textiles: Cotton arrivals flat YoY; remain short of target – By JS Research

Jan 14 2026


JS Global Capital


  • Pakistan Cotton Ginner’s Association (PCGA) reported flat YoY cotton production at 5.43mn bales as of Dec-2025. At the current run-rate, we expect the annual output to remain close to last year’s level of 7mn bales, implying a ~30% shortfall from the govt target of 10mn bales for FY26.
  • Sindh province reported a 3.6% YoY growth in cotton arrivals while output is down 4.4% YoY in Punjab, primarily reflecting loss of crop from floods.
Technical Outlook: KSE-100 likely to resume uptrend – By JS Research

Jan 14 2026


JS Global Capital


  • KSE-100 index after making a low of 180,590 recovered to close at 183,952, up 1,567 points DoD. Volumes stood at 1,037mn shares versus 1,059mn shares traded previously. The index is expected to re-test resistance at 184,305 (yesterday's high) where a break above that will target 185,111 and 186,340 levels, respectively. However, any downside will find support between 181,590 and 182,950 levels. The momentum indicators are mixed, signaling no clear trading view. We recommend investors to 'Buy on dips', with risk defined below the 180,590 level. The support and resistance are at 181,593 and 185,308 levels, respectively.
Morning News: Pakistan could earn up to $60 billion from defence exports: report – By WE Research

Jan 14 2026



  • A report by KASB securities highlights that Pakistan’s defence export pipeline could generate up to $60 billion between 2026 and 2030. The report notes that tracked defence deals already amount to $13 billion, with additional potential agreements under negotiation. Improved diplomatic standing following operation Bunyan e Marsous has strengthened Pakistan’s geostrategic defence ties, opening new export-driven opportunities. Defence exports are expected to become a significant driver of external economic indicators and foreign exchange inflows.
  • This development is positive for the Pakistan stock exchange (PSX). Defence related industries, particularly listed companies in engineering, heavy manufacturing, and technology, could see investor interest rise due to anticipated export revenues. The inflow of foreign exchange would strengthen Pakistan’s external accounts, potentially stabilizing the rupee and improving investor sentiment. Broader market confidence may increase as defence exports diversify Pakistan’s revenue streams, reducing reliance on traditional sectors like textiles and agriculture.
Morning News: Trump hits Iran trade partners with tariffs – By Shajar Research

Jan 14 2026


Shajar Capital


  • US President Donald Trump announced a 25-percent tariff on any country doing business with Iran, ramping up pressure as a rights group estimated a crackdown on protests has killed at least 648 people. (BR)
  • Asian shares edged up on Wednesday, as a weaker yen fueled a record-breaking rally in Japanese equities. (Bloomberg)
Morning News: Oil Steadies After Four-Day Rally with Focus on Iran Meeting – By Spectrum Research

Jan 14 2026


Spectrum Securities


  • Oil steadied after the biggest four-day gain in more than six months, as US officials planned to discuss Iran during a White House meeting.
  • The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) on Tuesday proposed 183 major amendments in the Companies Act, 2017 to reduce regulatory burden on companies and improve the ease of doing business in Pakistan by streamlining the process of regulatory compliances.
Morning News: WB projects GDP growth at 3pc – By HMFS Research

Jan 14 2026


HMFS Research


  • Pakis-tan’s GDP growth is projected to remain at 3 percent in fiscal year 2025–26 before rising to 3.4 percent in fiscal year 2026–27, driven by a recovery in agricultural production and reconstruction efforts following a series of floods in 2025, the World Bank said. However, Pakistan current account deficit is expected to widen in fiscal year 2026-27, with a rise in import demand, alongside the strengthening growth, and post-flood normalization of remittance inflows, the Bank stated in its latest report on Global Economic Prospects.
  • Minister for Petroleum held a meeting with Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Ibrahim Al-Khorayef and exchanged views on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the mining and minerals sector, exploring joint investment opportunities, and enhancing collaboration across the mineral value chain. The federal minister is currently in Riyadh, leading a Pakistani delegation at the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2026, hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. On the sidelines of the forum, the Saudi minister noted that global focus has increasingly shifted towards mining and critical minerals. He highlighted the vast potential for Pakistan–Saudi cooperation in the minerals sector and assured that Saudi Arabia’s knowledge resources and technical expertise would be available to support Pakistan’s mineral sector.
Pakistan Market Wrap: Correction Persists Amid Geopolitical Overhangs – By HMFS Research

Jan 14 2026


HMFS Research


  • The KSE-100 Index remained under correction phase, extending its decline amid heightened geopolitical tensions that continued to weigh on investor sentiment. The cautious environment dragged the benchmark to close at 182,570, marking a decline of 1,382 points from the previous session. Despite the broader weakness, improving domestic economic fundamentals and the anticipation of upcoming corporate earnings provided selective support, with pockets of buying observed across specific sectors. Trading activity remained steady, with 444mn shares exchanged on the KSE-100 Index and 1.03bn shares traded in the broader market.
  • Volume leadership was dominated by KEL (56mn), WTL (56mn), and PIBTL (48mn), reflecting sustained participation despite the corrective phase. While near-term sentiment remains sensitive to geopolitical developments, potential strategic tailwinds are emerging. Prospective defence agreements with Turkey, possible defence exports to Indonesia, and advancing discussions around a minerals partnership with Saudi Arabia could strengthen foreign inflows and reinforce investor confidence, providing upside catalysts for the equity market. However, any further escalation in global or regional tensions may prolong profit taking activity. In this environment, investors are advised to maintain a vigilant and disciplined approach, focusing on fundamentally strong stocks that offer durable long-term growth potential.
Morning News: WB projects GDP growth at 3pc – By HMFS Research

Jan 14 2026


HMFS Research


  • Pakis-tan’s GDP growth is projected to remain at 3 percent in fiscal year 2025–26 before rising to 3.4 percent in fiscal year 2026–27, driven by a recovery in agricultural production and reconstruction efforts following a series of floods in 2025, the World Bank said. However, Pakistan current account deficit is expected to widen in fiscal year 2026-27, with a rise in import demand, alongside the strengthening growth, and post-flood normalization of remittance inflows, the Bank stated in its latest report on Global Economic Prospects.
  • Minister for Petroleum held a meeting with Saudi Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Bandar Ibrahim Al-Khorayef and exchanged views on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the mining and minerals sector, exploring joint investment opportunities, and enhancing collaboration across the mineral value chain. The federal minister is currently in Riyadh, leading a Pakistani delegation at the Future Minerals Forum (FMF) 2026, hosted by the Ministry of Industry and Mineral Resources of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. On the sidelines of the forum, the Saudi minister noted that global focus has increasingly shifted towards mining and critical minerals. He highlighted the vast potential for Pakistan–Saudi cooperation in the minerals sector and assured that Saudi Arabia’s knowledge resources and technical expertise would be available to support Pakistan’s mineral sector.
Pakistan Market Wrap: Profit Booking at the Open, Fundamentals Drive the Close – By HMFS Research

Jan 13 2026


HMFS Research


  • The KSE-100 Index opened the session on a cautious note, with early selling pressure emerging as investors moved to lock in gains following last week’s strong rally. Lingering geopolitical tensions also weighed on sentiment in the initial hours of trading. However, market direction improved as the session progressed, with selective value buying emerging in fundamentally strong and blue-chip stocks amid the onset of the results season. The Banking sector played a pivotal role in steering the benchmark back into positive territory. Consequently, the index reversed its early losses and closed at 183,952, registering a gain of 1,567 points from the previous close.
  • Trading activity remained steady, with volumes clocking in at 437mn shares on the KSE-100 and 1.0bn shares in the broader market. Volume leaders for the day included BOP (74mn), MDTL (67mn), and WTL (43mn). Market sentiment remains underpinned by expectations of improving economic activity and supportive corporate earnings, which could continue to drive selective upside in the benchmark. That said, intermittent bouts of profit-taking cannot be ruled out, particularly amid persistent geopolitical uncertainties. In this environment, investors are advised to maintain a measured approach and focus on fundamentally strong stocks with sustainable long-term growth prospects.
Morning News: President to undertake three-day Bahrain visit – By HMFS Research

Jan 13 2026


HMFS Research


  • President Asif Ali Zardari will undertake an official visit to the Kingdom of Bahrain from January 13-16, 2026. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation. The visit seeks to reinforce Pakistan’s longstanding cooperation with the brotherly Gulf nation while expanding opportunities for collaboration in trade and economic partnership, defence and security, and people-to-people ties.
  • The government on Monday rolled out a long-term master plan to establish a Port Industrial Complex at Port Qasim, a project expected to strengthen Pakistan’s industrial base, boost exports and enhance the port’s role as a regional trade and logistics hub. The plan was announced by Federal Minister for Maritime Affairs Muhammad Junaid Anwar Chaudhry. During the meeting, the minister said Port Qasim’s integrated planning and phased development were designed to transform the port into a globally competitive industrial and logistics hub, aligned with Pakistan’s broader objectives of trade expansion, industrialization and blue economy growth. the master plan spans a total area of more than 14,590 acres, structured to ensure balanced industrial development, efficient port operations and sustainable land use over five decades. The maritime minister noted the industrial complex has been divided into three zones, including the North Western Zone, the Eastern Zone and the South Western Zone. “The North Western Zone, covering 3,061 acres, has been earmarked for diversified industrial activity, supporting value-added manufacturing and ancillary services linked to port operations,” he added. He said the Eastern Zone, the largest component of the complex at 7,273 acres, is being developed as the primary industrial backbone, offering space for heavy industries, export-oriented units and logistics facilities. Chaudhry added that the South Western Zone, spread over 2,258 acres, has been allocated for specialized industrial and commercial uses, while 1,997 acres of low-lying area are being managed through phased development and environmental safeguards to ensure sustainable utilization.
Pakistan Market Wrap: A Tactical Pause: Profit-Taking Dominates After Strong Upside – By HMFS Research

Jan 12 2026


HMFS Research


  • Profit-taking dominated trading at the Pakistan Stock Exchange, as investors moved to lock in gains following the recent sharp rally and elevated valuations. The selling pressure was further amplified by heightened international uncertainty and ongoing geopolitical tensions, which weighed on broader risk appetite. Despite these near-term headwinds, Pakistan’s underlying economic fundamentals remain relatively stable, supporting expectations of market sustainability over the medium to long term. The correction—widely viewed as overdue—was led by the Banking and Fertilizer sectors, which exerted the most pressure on the benchmark.
  • Although the KSE-100 briefly ventured into positive territory during the session, posting a marginal intra-day gain of 29 points, renewed selling interest dragged the index lower by close. The benchmark ultimately settled at 182,384, reflecting a decline of 2,026 points. Trading activity remained steady, with 419mn shares exchanged on the KSE-100 and approximately 1.1bn shares traded across the broader market. Volume leaders for the session included FFL (66mn), WTL (51mn), and HASCOL (47mn). Looking ahead, the market is likely to remain susceptible to profit-taking pressures, particularly amid lingering geopolitical concerns. However, any easing on this front—alongside expected defence engagements of Turkey and Pak-Saudi Arabia pact—could help restore confidence. Moreover, the upcoming corporate results season may act as a near-term catalyst, offering selective support to market momentum. Investors are advised to maintain a measured approach, avoid reactive trading, and focus on fundamentally strong stocks offering sustainable long-term growth potential.
Morning News: GDP seen growing 3.5pc in 2026 – By HMFS Research

Jan 12 2026


HMFS Research


  • Pakistan’s economy is expected to expand by a modest 3.5 per cent in 2026, as implementation of the reform programme under the IMF remains robust, with economic recovery on track, says the ‘World Economic Situation and Prospects 2026’ published by the United Nations.
  • The report, released by the United Nations Department of Social Affairs (DESA) and made available to Dawn on Friday, notes that the current account posted a surplus for the FY25, the fiscal primary balance exceeded targets, inflation remained contained, and external buffers strengthened. However, adverse shocks like the recent floods pose significant threats to economic and development progress, increasing risk to economic growth, fiscal consolidation and poverty reduction efforts, the report fears.
Pakistan Market Wrap: KSE-100 Reprices on Profit-Taking – By HMFS Research

Jan 9 2026


HMFS Research


  • The market extended its corrective phase as investors continued to lock in gains following the recent sharp rally. Selling pressure remained broad-based, with pronounced weakness in index-heavy names exerting downward pressure on the benchmark throughout the session. The index experienced heightened volatility, shedding up to 1,842 points intraday, reflecting cautious sentiment and aggressive profit-booking at elevated levels. Despite intermittent recovery attempts, the lack of sustained buying interest led the index to close at 184,410 level, down 1,133 points.
  • Trading activity remained robust, with 393mn shares exchanged in the KSE-100, while volumes on the All-Share Index stood at 1.0bn shares. Active participation was seen in FFL (76mn shares), HASCOL (68mn shares), and MDTL (56mn shares). Going forward, the market is likely to remain volatile amid ongoing profit-taking and elevated geopolitical tensions, which could intermittently weigh on investor sentiment. While these factors may limit near-term upside, selective buying interest may emerge on further corrections, particularly in fundamentally strong names, as broader macro developments and policy-related expectations continue to provide underlying support. Investors are advised to remain cautious, maintain disciplined positioning, and utilize market pullbacks for strategic accumulation.
Technical Outlook: KSE-100 Surges to Record High, Eyes Trendline Resistance at 188,997 – By HMFS Research

Jan 9 2026


HMFS Research


  • The KSE-100 index continued its bullish momentum, closing the week at a historic high of 184,409.67, marking a robust gain of +5,374.74 points (+3%) on a weekly basis. This upward trajectory reflects sustained investor confidence and strong institutional participation.
  • Technically, the index is now approaching a key trendline resistance near 188,997, as highlighted in the attached chart. This level may act as a short-term hurdle, potentially triggering profit-taking or consolidation.
Pakistan Market Wrap: PSX Records Volatile Session, Closes Lower on Profit Booking – By HMFS Research

Jan 8 2026


HMFS Research


  • Following an uninterrupted bullish rally over the past few sessions, the market underwent a profit-taking today, closing in negative territory. Trading commenced on a weak footing, with the benchmark index slipping sharply in early hours. Sentiment improved by midday as renewed buying interest lifted the index to an intra-day high of 187,905 level, marking the highest intra-day level ever recorded in PSX history. However, the rebound proved short-lived, as selling pressure resurfaced and intensified during the final trading hour. Consequently, the index reversed course and touched an intra-day low of 185,199 level, closing down 975.70 points.
  • Trading activity remained strong, with 576mn shares exchanged in the KSE-100 and 1.4bn shares recorded on the All-Share Index. Volume leaders included AGHA (132mn shares), PAEL (76mn shares), and HASCOL (60mn shares). Going forward, the market is expected to maintain a positive bias, supported by developments such as Pakistan–Saudi discussions on converting USD 2bn of loans into a JF-17 deal and the inauguration of the Karachi Port Trust ferry terminal to boost the blue economy. However, uncertainty remains inherent to the market, with a correction already evident amid elevated valuations. Ongoing geopolitical tensions also pose downside risks and could trigger volatility if conditions worsen. Therefore, investors are advised to remain vigilant, book profits selectively, and utilize market dips as entry opportunities.
Morning News: Pakistan, Saudi in talks on JF-17 jets-for-loans deal: Reuters report – By HMFS Research

Jan 8 2026


HMFS Research


  • Pakistan and Saudi Arabia are in talks to convert about $2 billion of Saudi loans into a JF-17 fighter jet deal, two Pakistani sources said, deepening military cooperation months after the two nations signed a mutual defence pact last year. One of the sources said the discussions were limited to the provision of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets, the light combat aircraft jointly developed by Pakistan and China and produced in Pakistan, while the second said the jets were the primary option among others under discussion.
  • The National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (Nepra) has reduced the national average uniform electricity tariff by 62 paise per unit for the next six months, effective January 1. The regulator has determined separate consumer-end tariffs for each distribution company (ex-Wapda Discos) in view of their differing revenue requirements and permitted levels of transmission and distribution (T&D) losses. For CY26, the national average tariff has been set at Rs33.38 per kWh, down from Rs34.00 per kWh in 2025-26.