Pakistan Stock Market Sees Sharp Correction

Karachi: A wave of selling pressure hit the Pakistan Stock Exchange on February 19, 2026, pushing the KMI-30 index down by 4.03 percent in a single trading session. The index closed at 240,511.29 points after losing 10,109.65 points, reflecting investor caution across key sectors.
The market opened at 251,154.52 points and initially showed signs of stability before heavy selling dragged the benchmark index to an intraday low of 239,822.30. The steep drop signals heightened volatility in Pakistan’s equity market, particularly among blue-chip Islamic index stocks.
Sector-wise analysis reveals that energy and fertilizer companies were among the top contributors to the decline. ENGRO led the draggers’ list with a negative contribution of 1,013.56 points. FFC followed with a 928.27-point impact, while OGDC and PPL also weighed heavily on the index. Meezan Bank Limited (MEBL) contributed a decline of 801.96 points.
Market observers believe the downturn may be linked to profit booking after recent gains and uncertainty surrounding economic indicators. Although the fiscal year-to-date performance remains strong at 30.09 percent, the calendar year-to-date figure has slipped to negative 3.23 percent, raising short-term concerns.
Trading volumes stood at 72.96 million shares, indicating moderate participation. Analysts say the relatively steady volume suggests that institutional investors may be repositioning portfolios rather than exiting entirely.
Financial experts recommend cautious optimism, advising investors to assess company fundamentals before making decisions. While the sharp correction may appear alarming, historical data suggests that such fluctuations are part of normal market cycles.
The Pakistan Stock Exchange continues to play a vital role in the country’s financial ecosystem, and investors are hopeful that economic stability measures will help restore positive momentum in upcoming sessions.