Pakistan’s stock markets experienced a record single-day surge on Monday following an International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout agreement to address the nation’s growing foreign debt woes.

The benchmark KSE 100 index soared an incredible 2,400 points, a sign that investor confidence had been restored. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif celebrated the rally as a sign of recovery, attributing it to the government’s “hard work and sound policies”.

The IMF bailout package, which is subject to approval later this month, was higher than expected and provided much-needed relief to Pakistan who had been struggling with dwindling foreign reserves. The agreement followed the expiration of a $6.7 billion bailout package that had been agreed to in 2019 and would have seen the release of $1.2 billion.

When the markets opened after the Eid holidays, the KSE 100 Index began sharply, rising 2,231.1 points to 43,683.78 points. The five percent surge triggered an hour-long suspension of trading to control the volatility.

The index continued to increase, peaking at 43,923.7 points before winding down to close at 43,899 points, up 5.9 percent from the previous day’s finish. The IMF bailout package could have far-reaching implications and could be a catalyst for economic transformation.

The government hopes that the injection of funds will help to revive the country’s economy and take the pressure off its foreign debt. It could also pave the way for further investment from foreign countries and create more jobs.

Investors seem to be responding positively to the news, with the stock market rally being a clear indication that they are optimistic about the future. The government’s “hard work and sound policies” have been key to restoring confidence in the nation’s economy and it is hoped that the IMF bailout package will provide much-needed relief and stability.

The IMF agreement has been met with a great deal of enthusiasm and optimism in Pakistan and the stock market surge is a sign that investor confidence has been restored. It remains to be seen how the nation’s economy will fare going forward but the IMF bailout package could be a stepping stone to greater economic stability and prosperity.