PSX Opening Bell: Early Slide

The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) opened Thursday's session on a weaker note, with the benchmark KSE-100 Index remaining under pressure as investors extended selling following Wednesday's sharp decline, while escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East continued to dampen risk appetite. Sentiment remained fragile after Wednesday's steep selloff of more than 4,600 points, driven by fears of a widening conflict between the United States and Iran. The cautious mood persisted on Thursday as oil prices climbed further after renewed U.S. military action against Iran intensified concerns over potential disruptions to energy supplies in the Middle East. The latest escalation came after the U.S. Central Command confirmed it had carried out fresh strikes on Iranian targets in response to attacks by Tehran on commercial vessels operating in and around the Strait of Hormuz, keeping investors on edge over the possibility of prolonged regional instability.