Pakistan’s benchmark KSE-100 index closed Wednesday’s session marginally higher, at 188,380.38 points, up 177.53 points or 0.09 per cent from the previous close of 188,202.85.

The index hit an intraday high of 189,183.88 points and a low of 188,179.50 points, reflecting relative volatility throughout the session.

Topline Securities noted that “market participation remained robust, with total volumes clocking in at 952 million shares and value turnover reaching Rs. 48.8 billion”.

K-Electric (KEL) led trading volumes, rising 3.69pc to Rs7.30 on 198.7m shares, followed by Nishat Chunian Power (NCPL), up 6.70pc to Rs78.82 with 47.82m shares.

Among the top advancers, Tariq Corporation Limited (Pref) (TCORPCPS) surged 10.99pc, while LSE Ventures (LSEVL) gained 10.52pc, and Apna Microfinance Bank (AMBL) rose 10.03pc. Other notable advancers included First IBL Modaraba (FIBLM), Javedan Corporation (JVDCPS), Clover Pakistan (CLOV), Ideal Spinning Mills (IDSM), Blessed Textiles (BTL), Faisal Spinning Mills (FASM), and Gillette Pakistan (GLPL).

Crescent Star Insurance Limited (Right) (CSILR3) fell 11.28pc, while Kohat Pakistan Cement (KOHP) dropped 10pc to Rs49.56. Other significant decliners included First Tri-Star Modaraba (FTSM), Kohinoor Industries Limited (KOIL), Quice, UVIC, CSIL, SGPL, CCM, and NCMLNC, reflecting selective profit-taking in specific sectors.

Topline Securities noted that “buying interest in heavyweight names such as United Bank Limited (UBL), Pakistan Petroleum Limited (PPL), Pioneer Cement Limited (PIOC), Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDC), and Pakistan Oilfields Limited (POL) provided solid support, cumulatively adding 689 points to the index”.