Pakistan Economy: Jan’26 Surpluses, Built on Remittances and Import Compression – By AHCML Research

Feb 18 2026


Al Habib Capital Markets


  • Pakistan's Current Account has recorded third month of the year surpluses of USD 121mn in Jan’26, a sharp reversal from the deficit in Dec’25. However, over the 7MFY26 (July-Jan), the current account deficit stands at USD1,074mn, a staggering deterioration from the USD 564mn surplus recorded in the same period last year.
  • In Jan’26, the goods trade deficit stood at USD 2,591mn. Exports fell by 8.7%YoY to USD 2,746mn (from USD 3,008mn in Jan’25), while imports declined 2.6%YoY to USD 5,337mn (from USD 5,481mn) and 7%MoM from Dec-25's USD 5,737mn.
Pakistan Market Wrap: Evening Note – By Vector Research

Feb 18 2026


Vector Securities


  • Evening Note.
Pakistan Market Wrap: Evening Chronicle – By AHCML Research

Feb 18 2026


Al Habib Capital Markets


  • The benchmark KSE-100 Index opened on a positive note, hitting an intraday high of 178,974 before closing at 178,853, up 5,702.68 points (+3.29%). The rally was driven by broad-based buying in the commercial banks, power generation, fertilizer, cement, and technology sectors.
  • Sentiment was supported by a $121 million current account surplus in Jan 2026, improving LSM growth during 1HFY26 to 4.82%, along with easing geopolitical tensions after Iran stated that good progress had been made in nuclear talks with the US. In terms of index contribution, UBL, HBL, MEBL, NBP, and MCB collectively added 2,698.54 points. On the volume front, KEL led trading with 116.97 million shares, while total market turnover stood at 693.28 million shares.
Pakistan Fertilizers: Demand Slump Masks Strong Cumulative Rabi Performance; Urea Surpluses Persist – By HMFS Research

Feb 18 2026


HMFS Research


  • January's sharp offtake declines — while jarring on a standalone basis — should be contextualized against the unusually strong frontloading seen in Oct–Dec 2025, which inflated the base. Cumulative Rabi urea offtake of 2,744K tones is running 12% ahead of last season, a constructive signal for fertilizer companies' top lines. The structural concern remains DAP demand destruction, now down 23% on a Rabi cumulative basis, likely reflecting farmer affordability pressures and substitution toward cheaper nitrogen sources. We believe elevated closing urea stocks (~602K tones) cap near-term upside on pricing but support volume visibility into Kharif.
  • In product terms, urea offtake of 218K tones was down 51.1% Y/Y and DAP at 39K tones declined 35.8% Y/Y. Both miss comfortably on any historical comparison, though we flag that the January 2025 base was itself elevated relative to seasonal norms
Pakistan Market Wrap: KSE-100 closes at 178,853 up 5,703 points – By Alpha-Akseer Research

Feb 18 2026


Alpha Capital


  • The equity market opened on a robust note and maintained its upward momentum throughout the session. The KSE-100 Index experienced notable intraday volatility, trading within a range of 174,329 to 178,974 before closing at 178,853—registering an impressive gain of 5,703 points. Total volume on the main board stood at 424.6 million shares, with a cumulative value of PKR 42.3 billion.
  • The rally was primarily driven by UBL (7.4%, 1,003 points), HBL (10%, 600 points), MEBL (5.9%, 422 points), NBP (8.7%, 370 points), and MCB (5.5%, 304 points). In terms of trading activity, KEL and BOP led the volume chart, with 117 million and 71 million shares exchanged, respectively.
Cherat Cement Company Ltd. (CHCC): Earnings declined on lower prices – By AKD Research

Feb 18 2026


AKD Securities


  • Revenue declined by 11%YoY to PkR9.4bn, mainly due to 13%YoY drop in local retention prices despite 11%YoY higher local offtakes. Notably, total offtakes declined by 2%YoY to 0.64mn tons due to lower exports amid Afghan border closure.
  • Gross margins slightly improved to 36.3% from 36.0% in SPLY, driven by higher proportion of local sales in the mix.
Pakistan Economy: Jan’26 Surpluses, Built on Remittances and Import Compression – By AHCML Research

Feb 18 2026


Al Habib Capital Markets


  • Pakistan's Current Account has recorded third month of the year surpluses of USD 121mn in Jan’26, a sharp reversal from the deficit in Dec’25. However, over the 7MFY26 (July-Jan), the current account deficit stands at USD1,074mn, a staggering deterioration from the USD 564mn surplus recorded in the same period last year.
  • In Jan’26, the goods trade deficit stood at USD 2,591mn. Exports fell by 8.7%YoY to USD 2,746mn (from USD 3,008mn in Jan’25), while imports declined 2.6%YoY to USD 5,337mn (from USD 5,481mn) and 7%MoM from Dec-25's USD 5,737mn.
Habib Bank Limited (HBL): Result Review – By IIS Research

Feb 18 2026


Ismail Iqbal Securities


  • Habib Bank Limited (HBL) announced its 4QCY25 results, reporting consolidated EPS of PKR 10.5, up 7% YoY but down 9% QoQ. The result came in slightly below our expectations, primarily due to weaker non-markup income. The bank declared a final cash dividend of PKR 6/share, above our expectation of PKR 5/share, taking the CY25 cumulative payout to PKR 20/share.
  • Net interest income (NII) grew by 17% YoY, supported by volumetric expansion which largely offset margin compression. However, on a QoQ basis, NII declined by 2% as the impact of asset repricing had largely materialized. Non-markup income fell sharply by 50% YoY, mainly due to losses on sale of securities and the absence of one-off other income recorded in the same period last year.
Habib Bank Limited (HBL): 4QCY25 EPS clocked in at PKR10.5 – By Insight Research

Feb 18 2026


Insight Securities


  • HBL has announced its 4QCY25 result, wherein it has posted consolidated HBL (PKR mn) 4QCY25 4QCY24 3QCY25 YoY QoQ CY25 CY24 YoY PAT of PKR15.4bn (EPS: PKR10.5) vs. PAT of PKR14.6bn (EPS: PKR9.8) in SPLY. The result is broadly inline with our estimates. However, NII came higher than estimates due to healthy volumetric growth, which was partially offset by higher than estimated provisioning and ETR.
  • Net interest income clocked in at PKR68.2bn in 4QCY25, up by 13% YoY. The increase is mainly attributable to volumetric growth. To highlight, deposits grew by ~27%/9% YoY/QoQ in 4QCY25.
Cherat Cement Company Limited (CHCC): Earnings Above Estimates; Margins Stable – By IIS Research

Feb 18 2026


Ismail Iqbal Securities


  • Cherat Cement (CHCC) announced its 2QFY26 results, reporting net profit of PKR 2.02bn, down 4% QoQ and 11% YoY. The result is slightly above our expectations mainly due to stronger than anticipated gross margins.
  • Net sales declined by 11% YoY, primarily driven by lower bag prices in the North region and reduced exports following the Afghan border closure, which, according to the company, account for around 7% of total sales. Cost of goods sold declined by roughly 12% YoY, likely supported by operational efficiencies including the induction of EV dumpers that helped reduce freight costs, along with the installation of around 9MW solar capacity contributing to lower energy expenses. The decline in costs helped maintain gross margins at around 36%, broadly in line with 1QFY26 and 2QFY25 levels.
Technology & Communication: IT Exports up by 19% YoY to US$374mn in Jan-26 – By Topline Research

Feb 18 2026


Topline Securities


  • Pakistan recorded monthly IT exports of US$374mn in Jan-26, up 19% YoY but down 14% MoM. This takes 7MFY26 to US$2.6bn, reflecting a 20% YoY growth.
  • Net IT Exports (Exports-Imports) displayed a monthly number of US$314mn, up 12% YoY.
Pakistan Market Wrap: Evening Chronicle – By AHCML Research

Feb 18 2026


Al Habib Capital Markets


  • The benchmark KSE-100 Index opened on a positive note, hitting an intraday high of 178,974 before closing at 178,853, up 5,702.68 points (+3.29%). The rally was driven by broad-based buying in the commercial banks, power generation, fertilizer, cement, and technology sectors.
  • Sentiment was supported by a $121 million current account surplus in Jan 2026, improving LSM growth during 1HFY26 to 4.82%, along with easing geopolitical tensions after Iran stated that good progress had been made in nuclear talks with the US. In terms of index contribution, UBL, HBL, MEBL, NBP, and MCB collectively added 2,698.54 points. On the volume front, KEL led trading with 116.97 million shares, while total market turnover stood at 693.28 million shares.
Pakistan Economy: Jan’26 Surpluses, Built on Remittances and Import Compression – By AHCML Research

Feb 18 2026


Al Habib Capital Markets


  • Pakistan's Current Account has recorded third month of the year surpluses of USD 121mn in Jan’26, a sharp reversal from the deficit in Dec’25. However, over the 7MFY26 (July-Jan), the current account deficit stands at USD1,074mn, a staggering deterioration from the USD 564mn surplus recorded in the same period last year.
  • In Jan’26, the goods trade deficit stood at USD 2,591mn. Exports fell by 8.7%YoY to USD 2,746mn (from USD 3,008mn in Jan’25), while imports declined 2.6%YoY to USD 5,337mn (from USD 5,481mn) and 7%MoM from Dec-25's USD 5,737mn.
Pakistan Market Wrap: Evening Chronicle – By AHCML Research

Feb 17 2026


Al Habib Capital Markets


  • The benchmark KSE-100 Index experienced a volatile session, hitting an intraday high of 176,131 before closing at 173,150, down 1,304 points (-0.75%), amid profit-taking. Broad-based selling was observed in banks, oil and gas exploration, fertilizer, cement, and pharmaceuticals.
  • Aggressive selling by foreign investors dampened investor sentiment, while the law and order situation further weighed on the market. PSO, HBL, ENGROH, UBL, and NBP collectively dragged the index down by 780.23 points. K-Electric (KEL) led in volumes with 122.54 million shares, as total market turnover reached 708.72 million shares.
Mutual Funds: Assets Under Management Remain Stagnant – By AHCML Research

Feb 13 2026


Al Habib Capital Markets


  • The mutual fund industry continues to witness strong structural traction, underpinned by the robust rally at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), ample market liquidity, and rising investor penetration. As of Jan’26, industry AUMs surged to PKR 4.48 trillion, reflecting a solid 11.52% YoY expansion, despite a marginal 0.49% MoM dip. The underlying trend remains constructive, with 16 out of 21 listed AMCs posting AUM growth during the month signaling broad based participation, improving risk appetite, and sustained confidence in professionally managed investment vehicles.
  • Based on AMC wise data Al Meezan Investment Management Limited retained its industry leadership in Jan’26 with AUMs of PKR 658bn, reinforcing its dominant franchise strength, sustained investor confidence, and consistent inflow momentum across diversified mandates.
Pakistan Market Wrap: Evening Chronicle – By AHCML Research

Feb 13 2026


Al Habib Capital Markets


  • The KSE-100 Index saw another volatile session, hitting an intraday high of 180,833 before closing at 179,604, down 909 points (-0.50%) amid profit-taking. Broad-based selling weighed on key sectors, including Commercial Banks, E&P companies, OMCs, and Auto stocks, while Cement and Fertilizer shares also declined sharply. Heightened political tensions further dampened investor sentiment.
  • On the macro front, the government is reportedly considering a cess on fertilizer companies to capture windfall profits, with proceeds earmarked for farmers’ benefit. Among major laggards, LUCK, UBL, OGDC, SYS, and EFERT collectively shaved 617.05 points off the benchmark. K-Electric (KEL) led trading activity with 131.14 million shares, as total market turnover reached 705.75 million shares.
Pakistan Market Wrap: Evening Chronicle – By AHCML Research

Feb 12 2026


Al Habib Capital Markets


  • The benchmark KSE-100 Index witnessed a volatile session, hitting an intraday high of 182,757 before closing at 180,513 down 2,537 points (-1.39%) amid profit-taking. Broad-based selling was observed across key sectors, particularly Banks, Oil & Gas Exploration, Technology & Communication, Cement, and Power Generation & Distribution. Market sentiment remained under pressure due to EFERT’s below expected results. Additionally, Barrick Gold Corporation’s Reko Diq copper-gold project in Balochistan faces uncertainty as the company reviews its development timeline and capital budget amid escalating security risks. Among major laggards, PPL, EFERT, HUBC, SYS, and OGDC collectively erased 902 points from the index. On the volume front, K-Electric (KEL) led with 176.91 million shares traded, while total market turnover stood at 868.95 million shares.
Pakistan Market Wrap: Evening Chronicle – By AHCML Research

Feb 10 2026


Al Habib Capital Markets


  • The benchmark KSE-100 Index witnessed a volatile session, touching an intraday high of 183,217 before closing at 182,154, down 187 points (-0.10%) amid profit-taking. Broad-based selling was observed across key sectors, particularly Banks, Technology & Communication, Oil & Gas Exploration, Power Generation, and Textile Composite.
  • On the macro front, remittances surged 15.4% to $3.5 billion in January, while an IMF review mission is expected in the last week of this month to initiate talks for the third review under the $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) and the potential release of a $1 billion fourth tranche. Among major laggards, HBL, TRG, KEL, AKBL, and BAFL collectively shaved 460.03 points off the index. In terms of volume, K-Electric (KEL) led activity with 253.68 million shares, while total market turnover stood at 1,057.65 million shares.
Pakistan Market Wrap: Evening Chronicle – By AHCML Research

Feb 6 2026


Al Habib Capital Markets


  • The benchmark KSE-100 Index witnessed a volatile session, touching an intraday high of 188,036 before closing at 184,310 down 3,703 points, or (-1.93% ) amid profit taking. The announcement of the Supreme Court case regarding NBP’s pension funds triggered selling pressure, as investors anticipated lower dividend payouts following potential cash outflows for pension fund payments. Furthermore, Barrick Gold’s board is reviewing all aspects of a gold and copper project in the Balochistan region due to security concerns, including capital allocation, as CEO Mark Hill stated during a post-earnings call. Additionally, the upcoming third IMF review at the end of the current month exerted pressure, reflecting concerns over slower progress on required economic reforms.
  • The uncertain geopolitical climate also dampened investor sentiment. Selling pressure was concentrated in Commercial Banks, Fertilizer, and Exploration & Production (E&P) stocks, due to a lack of fresh positive catalysts. High stakes Iran US negotiations over Tehran’s nuclear program commenced in Oman, with lingering disagreements raising fears of prolonged Middle East tensions. Major laggards such as NBP, FFC, PPL, UBL, and MEBL collectively dragged the index down by 1,573.11 points. On the volume front, K-Electric KEL led trading activity with 517.82 million shares, while the total market turnover stood at 1,266.28 million shares.
Pakistan Market Wrap: Evening Chronicle – By AHCML Research

Feb 4 2026


Al Habib Capital Markets


  • The benchmark KSE-100 Index continued its upward momentum, surging to an intraday high of 188,312 before settling at a new all-time high of 187,832, registering a gain of 931 points (0.50%). Gains were driven by broad-based buying, led by Commercial Banks with selective strength in Power Generation & Distribution.
  • On the macro front, Pakistan and Kazakhstan signed 36 agreements and MoUs across multiple sectors, including petroleum, mining, and maritime affairs, with the Prime Minister reiterating the $1bn bilateral trade target. In terms of index contribution, MEBL, ENGROH, NBP, UBL, & HMB, emerged as key drivers, collectively adding 739.61 to the benchmark. On the volumes front, KEL led activity with 590.87 million shares; while overall market turnover stood at 1,193.66 million shares, reflecting healthy participation.
Pakistan Market Wrap: Evening Chronicle – By AHCML Research

Feb 3 2026


Al Habib Capital Markets


  • The Pakistan Stock Exchange’s (PSX) KSE-100 Index extended its upward momentum, hitting an intraday high of 187,519 before closing at 186,901, up 1,843 points (+1.00%). The rally was driven by broad-based buying in Commercial Banks, Fertilizer, Technology, Pharmaceuticals, and Textile composite sectors. Sentiment was further supported by strengthened trade and investment cooperation between Pakistan and Uzbekistan, Moreover, hopes of a de-escalation in US-Iran tensions. In terms of index contribution FFC, UBL, ENGROH, MEBL, and SYS collectively added 734.81 points. On the volume front, KEL led trading with 99.51 million shares, while total market turnover stood at 846.50 million shares.