Trading activity also improved as the volume at the ready counter increased to 32.057 million shares as compared to 21.120 million shares traded on Thursday.

Of the total 320 active stocks, 147 closed in the positive and 47 in the negative while the value of 126 stocks remained unchanged.

Jehangir Siddiqui Co. was the volume leader with 3.271 million shares and gained Re0.20 to close at Rs4.27.

Investors’ interest was seen in the fertilizer sector, as Fauji Fertilizer Bin Qasim, Fauji Fertilizer Co. and Engro Corp. increased by Re0.29, Rs1.86 and Re0.96 to close at Rs43.58, Rs162.57 and Rs95.37 with 2.449 million shares, 2.104 million shares and 1.816 million shares, respectively, while Fatima Fertilizer Co. lost Re0.09 to close at Rs22.87 with 2.256 million shares.

Rafhan Maize and Indus Dyeing were the highest gainers increasing by Rs97.67 and Rs18.97 to close at Rs2502.67 and Rs398.40, respectively, while Nestle Pakistan and Tri-Pack Films were the worst losers declining by Rs56.57 and Rs3.87 to close at Rs2805.03 and Rs164.09, respectively.