The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) regular market operates from 9:32 AM to 3:30 PM, Monday to Thursday, Pakistan Standard Time. On Fridays, trading takes place in two sessions: 9:17 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:32 PM to 4:30 PM. The exchange is normally closed on Saturdays, Sundays and designated public holidays.
PSX also has a pre-open session before regular trading begins and a post-close session after the main market closes. During Ramadan, the exchange follows a separate schedule. Investors should check the official PSX Trading Hours page and 2026 Holiday Calendar for the latest information.
This guide explains the standard PSX trading schedule, Friday timings, Ramadan hours, the remaining scheduled holidays in 2026, and what investors should know before placing orders.
PSX Trading Hours at a Glance
| Trading day | Regular market opening | Regular market closing |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | 9:32 AM | 3:30 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:32 AM | 3:30 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:32 AM | 3:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9:32 AM | 3:30 PM |
| Friday, first session | 9:17 AM | 12:00 PM |
| Friday, second session | 2:32 PM | 4:30 PM |
| Saturday | Closed | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed | Closed |
All times are Pakistan Standard Time (PKT, UTC+5). The schedule above is for the regular market under PSX’s standard trading hours, not the temporary Ramadan schedule.
PSX Regular Market Timings: Monday to Thursday
From Monday to Thursday, PSX starts accepting orders during the pre-open session at 9:15 AM. The exchange then runs an order-matching and confirmation period before continuous trading begins at 9:32 AM.
| Session | Timing | What happens |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-open | 9:15–9:30 AM | Eligible orders can be entered into the system |
| Order matching and confirmation | 9:30–9:32 AM | Orders are matched and the opening price is established |
| Regular trading | 9:32 AM–3:30 PM | Investors can trade listed securities during the regular session |
| Post-close | 3:35–3:50 PM | A separate post-close session operates under exchange rules |
The pre-open session is not the same as continuous trading. Orders entered during this period are processed under specific exchange rules, and investors should understand the restrictions before submitting an order.
PSX states that orders entered during the pre-open session cannot be cancelled, modified or suspended until the end of the order-matching and confirmation break. This matters if you enter the wrong quantity or price before the market opens.
The post-close session also should not be confused with ordinary continuous trading. The regular market closes at 3:30 PM, and the post-close session follows a separate timetable.
Investors can confirm the latest session definitions on the official PSX Trading Hours page.
PSX Friday Trading Hours
Friday follows a different schedule because the regular market pauses at noon and resumes in the afternoon.
| Session | Pre-open | Order matching and confirmation | Regular trading |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday morning | 9:00–9:15 AM | 9:15–9:17 AM | 9:17 AM–12:00 PM |
| Friday afternoon | 2:15–2:30 PM | 2:30–2:32 PM | 2:32–4:30 PM |
The first session closes at 12:00 PM. Trading resumes with a second pre-open period at 2:15 PM, followed by order matching and regular trading at 2:32 PM.
A post-close session is also listed for the second Friday session, from 4:35 PM to 4:50 PM.
Why does PSX stop trading on Friday afternoon?
The regular market has a scheduled midday break on Fridays. This allows time for Friday prayers and other midday arrangements.
The break does not mean the exchange is closed for the entire day. Under the standard schedule, the afternoon session begins at 2:32 PM and continues until 4:30 PM.
Investors planning to buy or sell shares on Friday should account for the two separate sessions rather than treating Friday as one uninterrupted trading day.
What Happens After the Regular Market Closes?
The regular market is not the only trading segment operated by PSX. The exchange publishes separate schedules for several market segments, including the Negotiated Deals Market (NDM), the odd-lot market for ETFs, and other instruments.
For example, PSX lists the following standard timings:
| Market or activity | Monday to Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|
| Regular market | 9:32 AM–3:30 PM | 9:17 AM–12:00 PM and 2:32–4:30 PM |
| Post-close session | 3:35–3:50 PM | 4:35–4:50 PM, after the second session |
| Negotiated Deals Market | 9:30 AM–4:30 PM | 9:15 AM–3:00 PM and 3:01–5:00 PM |
| ETF odd-lot market | 9:30 AM–3:30 PM | 9:15 AM–12:00 PM and 2:30–4:30 PM |
| Trade rectification and modification | 3:50–4:30 PM | 4:50–5:30 PM |
These timings refer to different market activities and should not be interpreted as additional hours for ordinary retail share trading. Availability and the rules for each segment depend on the relevant exchange procedures and the services offered by a broker.
If you trade through a brokerage app, check its order-entry cut-off times and whether it supports the particular market segment you want to use.
Source: Official PSX Trading Hours.
PSX Trading Timings During Ramadan 2026
PSX announced a separate trading schedule for Ramadan 1447 AH in February 2026. Under that schedule, the regular market opened at 9:17 AM from Monday to Friday, with earlier closing times than the standard schedule.
| Session | Monday to Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|
| Pre-open | 9:00–9:15 AM | 9:00–9:15 AM |
| Order matching and confirmation | 9:15–9:17 AM | 9:15–9:17 AM |
| Regular market opens | 9:17 AM | 9:17 AM |
| Regular market closes | 1:30 PM | 12:30 PM |
| Post-close | 1:35–1:50 PM | 12:35–12:50 PM |
The Ramadan timetable was temporary. PSX stated that standard timings would resume after Ramadan unless the exchange announced otherwise.
Investors should not assume that these hours will apply during Ramadan in 2027. The exchange may publish a different schedule for the next Ramadan, so its latest notice should be checked before trading.
For the published 2026 schedule, see ProPakistani’s report on PSX Ramadan timings.
PSX Holidays in 2026: Full Calendar
PSX’s currently displayed 2026 holiday calendar lists 17 holiday days across 12 named occasions. Some religious holidays are subject to moon sighting, and the exchange reserves the right to change dates when necessary.
| Holiday | Date listed by PSX for 2026 | Listed days |
|---|---|---|
| Kashmir Day | Thursday, 5 February | 1 |
| Juma-tul-Wida* | Friday, 20 March | 1 |
| Eid-ul-Fitr* | Saturday, 21 March to Monday, 23 March | 3 |
| Pakistan Day | Monday, 23 March | 1 |
| Labour Day | Friday, 1 May | 1 |
| Eid-ul-Azha* | Tuesday, 26 May to Thursday, 28 May | 3 |
| Youm-e-Takbeer | Thursday, 28 May | 1 |
| Ashura* | Thursday, 25 June and Friday, 26 June | 2 |
| Independence Day | Friday, 14 August | 1 |
| Eid Milad-un-Nabi* | Tuesday, 25 August | 1 |
| Allama Iqbal Day | Monday, 9 November | 1 |
| Quaid-e-Azam Day / Christmas | Friday, 25 December | 1 |
| Total listed holiday days | 17 |
* Religious holiday dates are subject to moon sighting.
Important date note: PSX’s currently displayed holiday calendar lists the dates shown above. However, the exchange’s original holiday notice dated 20 January 2026 lists different dates for Eid-ul-Azha and Ashura. The original notice gives Eid-ul-Azha as 27–29 May and Ashura as 24–25 June. Because the sources differ, readers should rely on the relevant revised PSX notices and actual closure announcements when verifying historical trading dates.
Why does the holiday total include 17 days?
The figure of 17 is PSX’s published total of listed holiday days, not necessarily the number of distinct weekdays on which trading is lost.
Some dates overlap. For example, the displayed calendar lists Eid-ul-Fitr and Pakistan Day on Monday, 23 March, and Eid-ul-Azha and Youm-e-Takbeer on Thursday, 28 May. Each occasion appears separately in the calendar, but overlapping dates do not create an additional day of closure.
For trading and settlement planning, the relevant question is whether PSX is actually closed on a particular date. Investors should check the exchange’s latest holiday notices rather than calculating trading days by adding the listed holiday totals.
Which PSX Holidays Are Still Ahead in 2026?
As of 15 October 2026, the PSX calendar lists two remaining scheduled holidays.
| Holiday | Date | Day | What investors should know |
|---|---|---|---|
| Allama Iqbal Day | 9 November 2026 | Monday | The regular market is scheduled to be closed, creating a three-calendar-day weekend from Saturday through Monday |
| Quaid-e-Azam Day / Christmas | 25 December 2026 | Friday | The regular market is scheduled to be closed, followed by the weekend |
These are scheduled dates, not a guarantee that no other special closure or schedule change will be announced. PSX can modify its calendar when necessary.
Investors should also distinguish an exchange holiday from a broker’s own operational schedule. A brokerage’s customer support, account services and payment processing may operate differently from the exchange’s trading calendar.
Is PSX Open on Saturday and Sunday?
No. Under its standard schedule, PSX regular trading takes place from Monday to Friday. The exchange is normally closed on Saturdays and Sundays, as well as on designated holidays.
A weekend closure means investors cannot execute ordinary exchange trades during those days. However, they can still review their portfolios, research listed companies, prepare orders where their broker permits it, and plan for the next trading session.
Any order prepared outside market hours remains subject to the broker’s rules and PSX’s order-processing procedures.
Can You Place an Order Before PSX Opens?
Yes. The pre-open session allows eligible orders to be entered before regular trading begins.
Under the standard schedule, the pre-open session starts at 9:15 AM from Monday to Thursday and at 9:00 AM on Friday. Order matching and confirmation follow before the regular market opens.
There is an important restriction: PSX says orders entered during the pre-open session cannot be cancelled, modified or suspended until the order-matching and confirmation break ends.
Before entering an order, check the stock symbol, quantity, order type and price. The availability of specific order types may depend on the exchange’s rules and your broker’s platform.
Can You Buy or Sell Shares After 3:30 PM?
The answer depends on the day and the market segment.
From Monday to Thursday, the regular market closes at 3:30 PM. PSX lists a post-close session from 3:35 PM to 3:50 PM, while the Negotiated Deals Market has a separate schedule that extends to 4:30 PM.
On Friday, the regular market closes at noon and reopens at 2:32 PM. The afternoon regular session closes at 4:30 PM, followed by a post-close session from 4:35 PM to 4:50 PM.
These later sessions do not mean that every investor can place ordinary buy or sell orders at any time. Confirm which sessions your broker supports and which rules apply to your order.
What Time Does PSX Open for Investors in the UAE?
Pakistan Standard Time is UTC+5, while the UAE uses Gulf Standard Time (UTC+4). Pakistan is therefore one hour ahead of the UAE.
Under the standard schedule:
- The Monday-to-Thursday regular market opens at 9:32 AM Pakistan time, or 8:32 AM UAE time.
- The first Friday session opens at 9:17 AM Pakistan time, or 8:17 AM UAE time.
- The Friday afternoon session opens at 2:32 PM Pakistan time, or 1:32 PM UAE time.
These conversions assume the standard PSX timetable. Investors abroad should account for temporary schedules, such as Ramadan timings, and any exchange-announced changes.
Overseas Pakistanis can also read our guide on how to invest in the Pakistan Stock Exchange from abroad.
Where Can You Check Official PSX Timings and Holidays?
The safest way to confirm trading hours is to consult the exchange’s own published information rather than relying only on third-party market calendars.
Use these resources:
- PSX Trading Hours: The standard timetable for the regular market, Friday sessions, post-close trading and other market segments.
- PSX Calendar Holidays: The exchange’s published holiday calendar and its notice that dates may be revised.
- PSX Announcements: Notices that may clarify changes to trading schedules, holidays and market operations.
Check these pages before placing time-sensitive orders, particularly around religious holidays and special exchange announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Is PSX open on Saturday and Sunday?
No. PSX publishes trading sessions for Monday to Friday only, so weekends have no regular market. -
Why does Friday have a break in the middle of the day?
The regular market stops at 12:00 PM and reopens with a pre-open at 2:15 PM. The gap is generally explained as making room for Friday prayers. -
Can I trade after 3:30 PM?
The regular market closes at 3:30 PM from Monday to Thursday. A post-close session runs from 3:35 to 3:50 PM, and the Negotiated Deals Market stays open to 4:30 PM. Ask your broker which of these it offers to retail clients. -
Can I place an order before the market opens?
Yes, during the pre-open session, which starts at 9:15 AM from Monday to Thursday and 9:00 AM on Friday. Remember that those orders cannot be cancelled or changed until the matching break ends. -
How many days does PSX close for Eid in 2026?
PSX's calendar lists three days for Eid-ul-Fitr (21 to 23 March) and three for Eid-ul-Azha (26 to 28 May). Both depend on moon sighting, so the dates can shift. -
Can PSX change the holiday dates?
Yes. The exchange states on its calendar that it reserves the right to modify the dates if necessary. Check PSX notices a few days before any expected holiday. -
Where can I check the official timings?
PSX publishes them on its Trading Hours page and its Calendar Holidays page. Ramadan schedules and any special changes are announced through PSX notices. -
What time does PSX open if I am in the UAE?
Pakistan is one hour ahead of the UAE, so the 9:32 AM Monday to Thursday open is 8:32 AM there. For other countries, convert from UTC+5 and allow for daylight saving time where it applies.
Final Thoughts
The standard PSX regular market opens at 9:32 AM and closes at 3:30 PM from Monday to Thursday. Friday has two trading sessions, with a midday break and an afternoon close at 4:30 PM. Ramadan follows a separate temporary timetable, while holidays can affect both trading and settlement schedules.
For the remainder of 2026, the published calendar lists Allama Iqbal Day on 9 November and Quaid-e-Azam Day / Christmas on 25 December. Since PSX can revise its calendar, investors should confirm the latest notices before planning transactions around a holiday.
If you are still choosing a brokerage account, read our guide to types of investment accounts.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute personal financial or investment advice. Stock-market investing involves risk, and you may lose some or all of your invested capital.
