KSE-100 edges up 347 points before Friday prayer break

The Pakistan Stock Exchange's benchmark KSE-100 index gained 346.70 points on Friday, closing the morning session at 166,532.86, a rise of 0.21% from the previous close of 166,186.16, before trading paused for Friday prayers.

The index traded between a low of 165,956.51 and a high of 166,663 during the morning, according to the exchange. Volume reached 45.71 million shares, with turnover valued at approximately Rs3.53 billion before the break.

Market participants attributed the advance to selective buying in several large companies rather than broad-based accumulation, with overall activity described as measured as investors waited for clearer direction.

The midday suspension is part of the exchange's regular Friday schedule, with trading due to resume in the afternoon. Participants said they would watch volumes and activity in major sectors for signals on whether the morning's momentum holds.

The move is a routine index update and carries no bearing on the digital-asset and regulatory subjects that lead Token Times coverage.