Pakistani equities witnessed a sharp rally on Thursday, with the benchmark index surging more than 4,300 points after reports emerged that Pakistan may play a leading role in upcoming US-Iran peace talks.

The KSE-100 Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange climbed 4,310 points, or 2.8 percent, reaching 158,276 compared to the previous close of 153,966. However, some profit-taking during mid-session trimmed gains, with the index easing to 157,230 — still up 3,263 points or 2.12 percent.

Trading activity remained robust, with 268.8 million shares exchanged by 1:52 PM, generating a turnover of Rs. 20.5 billion.

Out of 567 listed companies that traded during the session, 384 posted gains, 83 declined, while 100 remained unchanged, reflecting broad-based positive sentiment.

Among the most actively traded stocks were Unity Foods, K-Electric, Nishat Chunian Power, Fauji Cement, Pakistan International Bulk Terminal, WorldCall Telecom, and First National Equities.

This is an intraday market update.