The benchmark index gained 1.56% as buying interest returned, while market capitalisation rose to Rs18.712 trillion.

The benchmark KSE-100 Index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) staged a strong recovery on Tuesday, gaining 2,592.79 points, or 1.56%, to close at 168,460.11 points, compared with 165,867.32 points in the previous trading session.

Trading activity in the ready market remained active, with 432.015 million shares changing hands. This was lower than the 441.898 million shares traded a session earlier. However, the total traded value increased significantly to Rs20.139 billion, compared with Rs15.709 billion previously.

The market’s total capitalisation also increased, rising to Rs18.712 trillion from Rs18.464 trillion recorded on the previous trading day.

The broader market reflected strong buying interest. Of the 496 companies that traded in the ready market, 314 closed higher, while 147 declined and 35 remained unchanged.

Cnergyico PK remained the most actively traded stock, with a volume of 55.062 million shares. It was followed by Pak Refinery, which recorded trading of 28.175 million shares, while WorldCall Telecom ranked third with 25.445 million shares.

Among the major gainers, Unilever Pakistan Foods Limited increased by Rs223.98 to close at Rs25,239.98. PIA Holding Company LimitedB also recorded a significant rise of Rs177.50, settling at Rs15,177.50.

On the losing side, S.S.Oil Mills Limited declined by Rs47.68 to close at Rs430.58, while Hoechst Pakistan Limited fell Rs46.81 to finish at Rs3,923.29.

Activity was also stronger in the futures (DFC) market. Turnover reached 125.121 million shares, with a traded value of Rs7.168 billion, compared with 91.217 million shares worth Rs4.552 billion in the previous session.

Of the 296 companies traded in the DFC market, 252 advanced and 44 declined, while none remained unchanged.

The session reflected a broad-based recovery, with the majority of traded companies closing in positive territory.