Pakistan's main stock index, the KSE-100, ended almost flat Thursday, rising just 0.08% to 166,284 points — a gain of only 138 points. It stayed within a narrow range throughout the day, moving between 165,886 and 166,837, as investors held back before the weekend.

"Pakistan Stock Exchange extended its consolidation phase as the KSE-100 Index closed on a flattish note at 166,284 points, up 138 points or 0.08%," said Ali Najib, Deputy Head of Trading at Arif Habib Ltd.

Throughout the session, the benchmark moved in both directions within a narrow 951-point band, recording an intra-day high of 166,837 (+692 points; 0.42%) and a low of 165,886 (-259 points; 0.16%).

On the corporate front, Service Industries surged to its upper circuit (+Rs 157.80; 10%) after announcing a Board meeting, other than financial results, scheduled for tomorrow at 10 am. Meanwhile, Fatima Fertiliser (+Rs 1.41; 0.94%) notified PSX that its subsidiary, Fatima Petroleum, has partnered with MARI and Turkish Petroleum to cover two offshore blocks.

Among major movers, SRVI, PIOC, PTC, ENGROH, and PPL collectively contributed 288 points to the index, while FFC, PSEL, MARI, UBL, and MEBL cumulatively eroded 605 points.

Market activity remained moderate, with 606.6 million shares traded and total turnover exceeding Rs 31 billion. LPL led the volume chart with 108.9 million shares.

Looking ahead, as we approach the last session of the week, the market is expected to rebound toward the weekly high of 169,289 before making another attempt at a new all-time high. On the downside, the 165–166k zone is likely to act as a key support area.