Positive IMF Talks Boost Pakistan Stock Market Amid Global Uncertainty

The positive progress in negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is reflected in Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) trading.

The market opened on a negative note today, with the **KSE-100 Index** dropping by **1,178 points**. However, it soon reversed direction, rising by **1,036 points** to trade at **156,894**, signaling investor optimism following the IMF’s release of the third review statement. The statement praised Pakistan’s performance in reforms and environmental initiatives.

Meanwhile, global stock markets are witnessing declines due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Key indices include:

* Australia ASX: down **1.56%** at 8,606
* Japan Nikkei: down **1.6%** at 54,150
* China Shanghai Exchange: down **0.64%** at 4,106
* Thailand SET: down **0.25%** at 1,403
* South Korea KOSPI: down **1.14%** at 5,546
* Mumbai Sensex: down **1.08%** at 76,045

The IMF’s recognition of Pakistan’s reform efforts, coupled with investor confidence, helped local markets recover despite global uncertainty.