Pakistan, June 22 -- The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) opened the week on a strong note on Monday as improving global sentiment and lower oil prices supported investor confidence. The positive trend was also driven by a broader rally in Asian equity markets. The development is important as it signals renewed optimism in Pakistan's financial outlook.

The benchmark KSE-100 Index gained 464.19 points, or 0.26 percent, trading at 179,386.94 points at midday. Earlier in the session, the index rose by more than 1,400 points before partial profit-taking reduced gains. The index had closed at 178,922.75 points in the previous session.

According to market data, the index touched an intraday high of 180,507.82 points and a low of 179,047.16 point...