The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its upward momentum on Thursday as selective buying in heavyweight stocks, easing geopolitical concerns, and lower international oil prices helped the benchmark KSE-100 Index close higher for another consecutive session. Continued optimism surrounding Pakistan's macroeconomic outlook also supported investor confidence despite profit-taking in select sectors.

The benchmark KSE-100 Index settled at 184,520.96, gaining 470.86 points (+0.26%). The index remained in positive territory for most of the trading session, moving within a range of 1,675.73 points. It touched an intraday high of 185,890.52 (+1,840.42 points) before easing to close above the 184,500 level, while the day's low stood at 184,214.79 (+164.69 points).

Investor sentiment remained broadly positive after international oil prices declined as concerns over supply disruptions in the Middle East eased. Optimism surrounding indirect diplomatic negotiations between the United States and Iran further improved risk appetite, encouraging investors to increase exposure to equities.

Lower oil prices also strengthened expectations for Pakistan's macroeconomic stability by easing pressure on the country's import bill, while continued optimism over corporate earnings supported buying in major index-heavy sectors.

Trading activity remained healthy, with KSE-100 constituent companies recording a total traded volume of 423.48 million shares.

Market breadth remained positive, with 59 companies closing higher while 41 ended lower, reflecting continued buying interest across the benchmark index.

Among the top gainers, IBFL surged 10.00%, followed by TRG (+5.49%), MUREB (+3.18%), JVDC (+3.04%), and BNWM (+2.91%). On the downside, HGFA (-3.15%), JDWS (-2.45%), SRVI (-2.42%), POWER (-2.25%), and BAHL (-1.56%) were among the session's weakest performers.

In terms of index-point contribution, UBL provided the largest boost to the benchmark by contributing 161.20 points. Other notable contributors included LUCK (+117.56 points), OGDC (+94.51 points), PPL (+51.73 points), and TRG (+43.75 points).

Meanwhile, BAHL exerted the largest negative impact on the benchmark, shaving off 81.02 points. Other notable drags included ENGROH (-53.22 points), SRVI (-46.55 points), MCB (-44.81 points), and HBL (-37.13 points).

Sector-wise, Oil & Gas Exploration Companies led the gains by contributing 166.31 points to the benchmark index. Additional support came from Cement (+100.59 points), Pharmaceuticals (+80.91 points), Oil & Gas Marketing Companies (+33.81 points), and Technology & Communication (+32.30 points).

On the other hand, Leather & Tanneries (-46.55 points), Investment Banks, Investment Companies & Securities Companies (-42.46 points), Power Generation & Distribution (-22.41 points), Automobile Assemblers (-9.98 points), and Automobile Parts & Accessories (-8.34 points) limited the overall advance.

In the broader market, the All-Share Index settled at 111,273.73, gaining 483.91 points (+0.44%). Overall market activity remained strong, with total traded volume increasing to 994.75 million shares from 941.48 million shares in the previous session, while traded value stood at Rs55.79 billion.

A total of 509,427 trades were executed across 493 listed companies. Of these, 256 companies advanced, 216 declined, and 21 remained unchanged, reflecting a broadly positive tone across the wider market.

Top volume leaders included TPLP (84.69 million shares), BOP (59.31 million shares), CNERGY (40.05 million shares), BLUEX (36.07 million shares), and TPLRF1 (31.26 million shares).