Karachi: The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) has set a new milestone as the benchmark KSE-100 index crossed the 150,000-point level for the first time in its history, a development that reflects growing investor confidence and Pakistans strengthening economic outlook.
The growth trajectory of the KSE-100 demonstrates the remarkable acceleration of the market. It took 26 years, from 1991 to 2017, for the index to reach its first 50,000 points. The next 50,000 were achieved over the following eight years, by 2024. In a striking leap, the most recent 50,000 points were added in just 10 months, between November 2024 and August 2025.
This achievement is complemented by other significant developments. The number of companies on the PSX valued at over one billion dollars has now reached 16, the highest since 2018 when the figure stood at 15, and a remarkable recovery from only three such companies in 2022. Investor participation has also hit record levels, with 73,000 new investors joining the market in the past year, representing a 22 percent increase year-on-year ³ the highest growth ever recorded in a single year. With this surge, the total number of investors in Pakistans public markets has crossed the one million mark, with the vast majority participating through the PSX and mutual funds.
Analysts point to Pakistans home-grown reform agenda, improving macroeconomic fundamentals and rising global credibility as the key drivers behind this extraordinary rally, which they believe is transforming optimism into strong investor confidence.