KMI-30 Gains 2,420 Points as PSX Closes Higher on Strong Buying

Karachi: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) staged a strong recovery on February 20, 2026, as the KMI-30 Index surged 2,420.10 points to close at 242,931.39, marking a 1.01 percent gain in a session characterized by renewed investor confidence and broad-based buying across key sectors.
According to the official market wrap, the KMI-30 opened at 241,156.49 and quickly gained momentum, touching an intraday high of 244,184.52. The index recorded a low of 236,700.70 during early trading but rebounded sharply as energy and cement stocks attracted significant buying interest.
Energy giant OGDC emerged as the top performer, contributing 426.35 points to the index rally. MLCF followed with 369.31 points, while PPL added 346.50 points. Technology stock SYS and ENGROH also supported the upward movement, reflecting renewed optimism among investors.
Market analysts attributed the positive momentum to bargain hunting after recent corrections and improving sentiment in the energy sector. With index constituent volume reaching 83.21 million shares, participation remained steady, signaling healthy liquidity in the market.
Despite recent volatility, the fiscal year-to-date (FYTD) performance of the KMI-30 stands strong at 31.39 percent, highlighting the resilience of Pakistan’s equity market. However, the calendar year-to-date (CYTD) performance remains negative at 2.26 percent, indicating short-term pressure earlier in the year.
Experts believe that sustained institutional support and stable macroeconomic indicators will be critical for maintaining the upward trajectory. Investors are closely monitoring global oil prices and domestic policy signals that may influence upcoming trading sessions.
The recovery session underscores the dynamic nature of the Pakistan Stock Exchange, where sector rotation and investor sentiment continue to shape daily market performance.