Overview
- The KSE-100 lost 7,677 points to close at 162,994 for the week, swinging between a high of 171,306 and a low of 160,391.
- Brokerage notes tied the selloff to U.S.–Iran tension that drove Brent crude near $126 a barrel after reported Strait of Hormuz disruptions.
- The State Bank lifted its policy rate by 1 percentage point to 11.5% on April 28 to counter inflation pressures from pricier fuel.
- Government debt sales showed stress as T-bill yields jumped and Rs1.37 trillion was sold, while all long-term bond bids were rejected.
- Power-sector arrears, known as circular debt, rose to Rs1.84 trillion, a burden that can feed higher electricity bills and more frequent outages.