ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s benchmark stock index posted its sharpest single-day decline on Thursday, as heavy selling by foreign investors and financial institutions triggered a broad market rout amid reduced trading activity during Ramadan.

The KSE-100 index closed at 172,170, down 6,683 points, after falling as much as 7,205 points intraday in a session marked by extreme volatility and persistent selling pressure, according to market data.

The selloff came as investors remained cautious in the face of continued foreign corporate outflows, while local insurance companies also emerged as major sellers, further weakening sentiment and accelerating losses.

“Carnage was witnessed at the local bourse as the KSE-100 Index suffered its steepest single-day fall in history,” brokerage Topline Securities said in a market note, adding that institutional selling intensified the downward momentum. 

“Persistent foreign corporate selling continued to dampen sentiment and keep investors on the sidelines.”

Trading hours shortened for Ramadan also contributed to sharp price swings, as thinner volumes amplified market moves and reduced liquidity.

Major index-heavy stocks including Fauji Fertilizer Company, Engro Holdings, United Bank Limited, Oil & Gas Development Company, Pakistan Petroleum Limited and Meezan Bank led the decline, collectively wiping more than 2,100 points off the benchmark.

Overall activity remained subdued, with total trading volumes recorded at 542 million shares and turnover at Rs27.36 billion ($97.6 million ). WorldCall Telecom led the volumes chart with over 84 million shares traded.

Analysts said the combination of institutional selling and limited participation heightened volatility, leaving investors wary in the near term.