The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) recorded a positive trend on Tuesday, driven by growing optimism among investors anticipating a potential policy rate cut in the upcoming review by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP).
During intraday trading, the benchmark KSE-100 index surged by 396.77 points, reaching 139,776.82 — a 0.28% increase from the previous close of 139,380.05.
Investor sentiment was further bolstered by renewed confidence in Pakistan’s strengthening trade relations with the United States, following recent high-level diplomatic and economic engagements.
Finance Minister Aurangzeb Heads to US for Final Trade Talks
In a key development, Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb has departed for the United States to hold the final round of negotiations on a potential trade agreement, according to a statement from the Ministry of Finance.
Talks follow the U.S. announcement in April of a 29% reciprocal tariff on Pakistani exports — a move paused on April 9 for a 90-day period after concerns were raised that it could impact Pakistan’s fragile export-led economic recovery.
The U.S. remains Pakistan’s top export destination, with exports totaling $5.44 billion in FY 2023–2024. From July 2024 to February 2025, exports to the U.S. have already shown a 10% year-on-year increase.
The Finance Ministry emphasized that the finalization of a trade agreement would bring mutual economic benefits and open new avenues for collaboration in sectors such as information technology, minerals, and agriculture.
In his second visit to the U.S. this month, Aurangzeb signaled a shift in bilateral economic ties — moving beyond traditional trade toward long-term investment. After meetings with U.S. Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, the minister highlighted emerging opportunities in areas like artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, crypto, and mining.
“This shift could be a real game changer for the Pakistan-U.S. economic relationship,” Aurangzeb said.
