Pakistan stocks drop 4.6pc as fears grow over protests

 
KARACHI, Aug 11 (AFP): Pakistani stocks saw a huge fall of 4.6 per cent on Monday, sparked by fears of a political crisis as opposition figures called on supporters to join a march to overthrow the government.
The benchmark Karachi Stock Exchange plunged by 1375 points or 4.6 per cent to 28,037 in the morning trading session, reversing weeks of positive performances that saw it touch a 68-year high.
"In the beginning investors believed that there might be some political reconciliation before the march takes off," said Mohammad Sohail, the head of Topline Securities in Karachi.
"But after the yesterday call of Qadri, panic gripped the investors," he said.
The drop came as the capital of Islamabad braces for protest marches led by cricketer-turned politician Imran Khan and cleric Tahir-ul-Qadri who have vowed to topple the government of Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.