Pakistan Stock Exchange Halts Trading After 5% Index Drop Amid Global Market Turmoil
29 Apr 2025

Pakistan Stock Exchange Halts Trading After 5% Index Drop Amid Global Market Turmoil

On April 7, 2025, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) halted trading for 45 minutes after the benchmark index fell over 5%, influenced by global market declines and new U.S. trade tariffs.

On April 7, 2025, the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) experienced a significant downturn, prompting a 45-minute trading halt as the benchmark index plummeted by more than 5%. This sharp decline was primarily attributed to global market instability following the imposition of new U.S. trade tariffs. The U.S. government's decision to implement a 29% tariff on Pakistani exports severely impacted investor confidence, leading to a rapid sell-off in the market. The trading halt aimed to prevent panic selling and provide a cooling-off period for investors. Despite recent positive developments, such as the government's reduction of energy tariffs for domestic and industrial users, the external shock from international trade policies overshadowed local economic measures. Reuters Market analysts emphasized the interconnectedness of global economies and the susceptibility of emerging markets like Pakistan to international policy changes. The PSX's swift response in halting trading reflects its commitment to maintaining market stability amidst external pressures.