Trading activity remained strong as 592.74 million shares changed hands in the ready market with a value of Rs41,960,000,000, higher than 498.36 million shares worth Rs30,590,000,000 previously. Market capitalization also improved to Rs18,866,000,000,000 from Rs18,744,000,000,000, reflecting a broad-based positive sentiment.

Among 478 active companies, 238 recorded gains while 199 declined and 41 stayed unchanged, showing a mixed but overall positive mood across the market.

Sui Southern Gas led the ready-market volumes with 39.18 million shares. It was followed by Bank of Punjab with 34.17 million shares and WorldCall Telecom with 32.86 million shares, indicating strong investor interest in these counters.

Read more: New BISP registration rules: Update shakes millions of beneficiaries!

On the gaining side, Service Industries Limited rose by Rs120.13 to settle at Rs1,570.21, while Sazgar Engineering Works Limited jumped by Rs75.36 to close at Rs1,776.95, making them the session’s top performers.

However, some companies faced pressure, including PIA Holding Company Limited-B, which fell by Rs518.50 to end at Rs23,977.00, and Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited, dropping by Rs300.00 to finish at Rs29,100.00.

In the futures market, turnover increased sharply to 824.59 million shares with a value of Rs40,300,000,000, up from 595.96 million shares worth Rs27,190,000,000 a day earlier. Out of 318 futures companies, 209 closed higher, 107 declined, and 2 remained unchanged.

Market experts say the rise shows growing confidence among investors as trading volumes continue to build. They believe the strong activity in both ready and futures markets signals that buyers are expecting further improvement. However, they also warn that sudden corrections can appear if global or local indicators shift. The overall tone remains positive, but investors are advised to watch the market carefully over the coming sessions.