The index closed at 166,242.90 points compared to the previous day’s 163,806.22 points.

Despite a slight drop in overall trading volume, investor enthusiasm remained high. A total of 1,478,593,838 shares were traded during the session, compared to 1,978,654,033 shares a day earlier. However, the total value of traded shares rose sharply to Rs51.871 billion from Rs36.992 billion, showing stronger buying activity.

Out of 485 companies that traded their shares, 289 recorded gains, 156 suffered losses, while 40 remained unchanged.

K-Electric Limited led the trading chart with 229,713,933 shares traded at Rs6.99 per share, followed by WorldCall Telecom with 223,455,632 shares at Rs2.16 per share, and Bank of Punjab with 184,399,246 shares at Rs39.41 per share.

Hoechst Pakistan Limited saw the highest price increase of Rs261.96 per share, closing at Rs4,288.29. Pakistan Services Limited also performed strongly, rising by Rs102.24 to close at Rs1,124.59 per share.

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On the losing side, PIA Holding Company Limited-B faced the biggest decline, dropping by Rs271.70 to settle at Rs24,310.10 per share. Ismail Industries Limited followed with a fall of Rs99.87, ending at Rs2,000.13 per share.

In the futures market, 321 companies traded shares, with 215 recording gains and 106 witnessing declines, reflecting a largely optimistic market sentiment.

Analysts say the surge reflects renewed investor confidence driven by improving economic indicators and institutional buying. The rise in share value despite lower trade volume indicates selective but strong investment activity. If positive sentiment continues, PSX could test even higher levels in the coming sessions, making this week critical for short-term traders.