The Pakistan Stock Exchange experienced a bearish trend on the third trading day of the week, with a significant decline at the session’s commencement. The benchmark KSE-100 index plummeted by over 1,000 points, reducing the index to 167,806 points. It is noteworthy that the preceding trading day concluded with a decline as well, with the index falling by 1,590 points to close at 168,916 points. In contrast, mixed trends were evident in Asian stock markets, with several indices recording gains. Reports indicate that South Korea’s KOSPI index increased by 2.29 percent, while Thailand’s SET index rose by 2.13 percent. Japan’s Nikkei index also exhibited a gain of 0.79 percent. Additionally, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng index noted a 0.26 percent rise, and China’s Shanghai Composite index displayed a modest upward movement.

The KSE-100 index declined by over 1,000 points, resulting in a total of 167,806 points.

It is noteworthy that on the preceding trading day, the market closed lower, with the index declining by 1,590 points to conclude at 168,916 points.

Concurrently, Asian stock markets exhibited varied tendencies, with numerous indices recording gains.

News outlets report that South Korea’s KOSPI index ascended by 2.29 percent, and Thailand’s SET index advanced by 2.13 percent. The Nikkei index of Japan had an increase of 0.79 percent.

Furthermore, Hong Kong’s Hang Seng Index had a 0.26 percent rise, while China’s Shanghai Composite Index exhibited a little boost.

The Asian Development Bank has indicated its willingness to contribute up to $1 billion in the revitalization and modernization of the Karachi Circular Railway, a significant urban transit initiative.

The development was addressed in a meeting between Sindh Chief Secretary Asif Haider Shah and an ADB delegation headed by Deputy Country Director Hussain Haider.

Officials evaluated proposals to enhance Sindh’s transportation sector, encompassing the establishment of integrated urban transit networks in key cities like Hyderabad, Sukkur, and Larkana.

Officials indicate that ADB’s assistance will concentrate on two primary domains: the development of contemporary urban transportation systems in major cities of Sindh and the restoration and enhancement of the Karachi Circular Railway.

The chief secretary stated that the restoration of KCR is essential for tackling Karachi’s escalating traffic issues, noting that the project would alleviate congestion and enhance connectivity throughout the city.

Representatives of the ADB reiterated their dedication to promoting sustainable transportation projects and urban mobility solutions within the province.

With the national oil giant’s East-West crude pipeline operating at full capacity to lessen the impact on supply, Saudi Aramco announced a 25% increase in first-quarter profit on Sunday, demonstrating its endurance as US-Iran war tensions restrict ships across the Strait of Hormuz.

In the three months ending March 31, the largest oil exporter in the world made a net profit of $32.5 billion, exceeding the $30.95 billion LSEG consensus projection.

Due to increased pricing and sales volumes of both crude oil and refined and chemical products, total income increased by about 7% to $115.49 billion over the previous year.

Aramco increased petroleum flows from its east coast to the Red Sea port of Yanbu in response to Iran’s blockade of shipping via the vital Hormuz strait amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict, which has reduced energy supply and caused prices to soar.

NASSER SAYS, “RELIABLE SUPPLY IS CRITICAL.”Amin Nasser, CEO of Aramco, stated that “reliable energy supply is critical” and that “our East-West Pipeline, which reached its maximum capacity of 7.0 million barrels of oil per day, has proven itself to be a critical supply artery, helping to mitigate the impact of a global energy shock.”

About 2 million barrels per day can be supplied by the pipeline to refineries on the west coast of Saudi Arabia, leaving 5 million barrels per day for export.

Following Iran’s blockade of Hormuz, a waterway that supplied one-fifth of the world’s oil supply before to the conflict, Saudi Arabia reduced its output by two million barrels per day. Heavy grades are limited on the line, which primarily carries Arab Light and some Arab Extra Light.

The company’s median analyst forecast of $31.16 billion was exceeded by Aramco’s adjusted quarterly net profit of $33.6 billion. $1.06 billion in non-operational accounting items are subtracted from the total.

Capital expenditures dropped dramatically from $13.4 billion in the fourth quarter to $12.1 billion in the quarter, down from $12.5 billion a year earlier. This year, Aramco planned to spend between $50 and $55 billion on major projects.

Q1 HIGHER DIVIDEND ANNOUNCED

In keeping with the projected total payouts of $87.6 billion for 2026, Aramco announced a base dividend of $21.9 billion for the first quarter, up 3.5% year over year and payable in the second quarter.

In 2023, it also implemented a free cash flow-based performance-linked dividend.

Aramco’s dividends are a major source of funding for the Saudi government’s domestic expenditures and budget deficits. The Public Investment Fund controls 16% of the corporation, while the government directly owns over 81.5%.

Due to a $15.8 billion increase in working capital, free cash flow decreased to $18.6 billion from $19.2 billion in the previous year. Aramco’s gearing – measuring its debt compared to equity – rose to 4.8% at ​March 31 from 3.8% at the end of 2025.