KARACHI:

The Pakistan Stock Exchange’s benchmark KSE-100 Index rose 233.55 points to close at 166,419.72 on Friday.

The index had opened near the previous close of 166,186.16 and traded in a range of 165,956.51 to 166,663 during the session. Volume stood at 45.71 million shares with a traded value of roughly Rs3.53 billion at the time of suspension.

Market participants attributed the modest advance to selective buying in a handful of large-cap counters, although overall activity remained measured ahead of the midday break. The suspension is a regular feature of the trading calendar on Fridays.

With the index holding above the 166,000 level, the session reflected cautious optimism rather than aggressive risk-taking in the first half. Traders noted that further direction would depend on the tone after the resumption of trading later in the afternoon, particularly if volume picks up in key sectors.