Islamabad: Pakistan Stock Exchange has hit a historic milestone as the benchmark index crossed the 172,000 mark, reflecting strong investor confidence and improving market fundamentals.According to Radio Pakistan, a post shared on X by Advisor to the Finance Minister Khurram Schehzad highlighted that the Pakistan Stock Exchange has delivered a January-to-date return of 48 percent in US dollar terms. The total investor base stands at four hundred and fifty thousand, while public market investors have now risen to well over one million.Listed companies have also posted strong financial performance. Corporate profitability increased by fourteen percent on a year-on-year basis during January to September 2025, while profits rose by nine percent on a quarter-on-quarter basis in the July to September period.The number of billion-dollar companies listed at the Pakistan Stock Exchange has increased to over eighteen, compared to just three in 2022. Mutual funds' investment in equities has also grown to fourteen percent from seven percent earlier and is expected to rise further.Market sources said sixteen initial public offerings are planned in 2026, indicating sustained confidence in the capital market.Khurram Shehzad further said macroeconomic stability, reforms, fiscal discipline and improved external buffers have contributed to increased investor confidence and strengthened market performance.