📉 Pakistan Stock Market Plunges Amid Middle East Tensions

Trade was suspended at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) after a massive early-morning sell-off triggered by escalating geopolitical instability in the Middle East. • Market Impact: The benchmark index plummeted by 9,780 points during the opening session, settling at 147,715.95 points. • Percentage Change: This represented a sharp 6.21% decrease compared to the previous close. • Trading Halt: PSX authorities enforced a mandatory 45-minute trade suspension after the index breached the 5% circuit breaker threshold. • Economic Context: While specific to Pakistan, such regional volatility often impacts South Asian investor sentiment and creates ripple effects across emerging market portfolios and energy costs.