The market opened on a healthy sign but could not sustain because of lack of buying support, and there was sharp decline due to selling pressure in Fauji Fertiliser, Fauji Fertiliser Bin Qasim, Fatima Fertiliser, PPL, Arif Habib Corporation, Engro Polymer, Lafarge Pakistan Cement, Pace Pakistan, and Maple Leaf Cement.
The market took upward move at midday following fresh buying in select scrips and stayed in positive zone till closing. OGDC, Engro Corporation, National Bank, Habib Bank, Askari Bank, MCB Bank, United Bank, Allied Bank, Bank Alfalah, Bank of Punjab, Nishat Mills and Sui Northern closed in positive column.
Gainers were more than the losers. Of 102 active issues, 29 companies showed strength and 13 remained weak, while 60 companies were unchanged. OGDC gained Rs 4.01, Engro Corporation improved by Rs 3.25, National Bank appreciated by Rs 1.39, Habib Bank was up by Rs 1.24, and Askari Bank gained Rs 1.00.
Fauji Fertiliser declined by Rs 2.45, PPL lost Rs 1.50, Arif Habib Corporation was down by 22 paisa and Engro Polymer lost 14 paisa. Bank of Punjab topped the volume leaders with trading of 1.203 million shares while Lafarge Pakistan Cement stayed as runner up with 346,550 shares.