The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its recent downturn on Friday, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index falling 1,264.14 points, or 0.74%, during the morning trading session as investor sentiment remained subdued.

The index slipped to 170,475.30 points before trading was temporarily suspended for the routine Friday (Jummah) prayer break. After opening on a weaker note, the market briefly touched an intraday high of 171,208.55 before declining to a low of 169,512.88, remaining well below the previous session’s close of 171,739.44.

Trading activity remained relatively active despite the decline, with 114.23 million shares changing hands and the total value of traded shares reaching approximately Rs7.83 billion during the morning session.

Market participants attributed the losses to continued cautious investor sentiment and selective profit-taking in heavyweight stocks. Analysts noted that the index moved within a range of nearly 1,700 points, reflecting persistent volatility as investors weighed economic and market developments.

The latest decline marks another weak session for the PSX, with investors expected to closely watch the afternoon trading session for signs of recovery or additional selling pressure as the trading week draws to a close. Market observers say overall sentiment will likely depend on institutional activity and broader economic indicators.