Pakistani stocks fall on security fears

Karachi: Pakistani stocks ended nearly 2 per cent lower Tuesday in very low turnover, as security worries prompted by militant responses to an army offensive drove shares down for a third week, dealers said.

The Karachi Stock Exchange's KSE benchmark 100-share index ended 1.95 per cent, or 174.08 points, lower at 8,762.40 on turnover of 58.8 million shares.

"There was barely any interest as there is a lot of uncertainty regarding security and the political scenario," said Asad Iqbal, managing director at Ismail Iqbal Securities Ltd.

The KSE has shed 6.9 per cent since October 19, the first trading session after the military launched an offensive targeting militants in their South Waziristan stronghold.

Many investors have stayed sidelined since the Taliban intensified attacks in cities in response to the army campaign.