Karachi: An evacuation drill at the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) premises is slated for January 8, 2026, as announced by the PSX authorities. The drill is set to take place after trading hours at 4:30 p.m. and aims to ensure that all individuals present, including TREC holders, occupants, visitors, and PSX staff, are well-acquainted with evacuation procedures in the case of an emergency.

According to the directive, the drill will commence with a loud emergency alarm, signaling all personnel in or near the exchange to exit the building immediately using the nearest available emergency exit stairs, explicitly avoiding elevators. The designated Emergency Assembly Area (EAA) for gathering is the PSX Compound. Participants are instructed to alert others nearby as they exit and to remain at the assembly area until further instructions are issued by Safety Wardens (SW) or the Crisis Management Team (CMT).

The drill aims to prepare individuals for potential natural calamities or security threats by familiarizing them with evacuation routes and procedures. The exercise will ensure that no one is left inside during an evacuation and will provide an opportunity to demonstrate that duties and responsibilities can be performed safely and efficiently under simulated conditions. It is emphasized that adherence to the guidelines set forth by the SW and CMT is crucial throughout the drill.

According to information available from the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX), the exercise is designed not to cause panic and aims to prevent potential injuries due to rushing during an exit. Visitors and vendors present during the drill are also expected to comply with the directives given to TREC holders, occupants, and PSX staff.

The PSX management has expressed appreciation for the cooperation of all participants and preemptively apologized for any inconvenience caused by the drill. The exercise is intended as a preparatory measure to ensure readiness and safety in the event of an actual emergency situation.