Pakistan, May 21 -- The Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) extended its upward momentum on Thursday as improving hopes for de-escalation in the Middle East boosted investor confidence and triggered strong buying activity across key sectors.

Read More: Bulls push PSX up by over 1,900 points

During intraday trading, the benchmark KSE-100 Index surged to a high of 168,134.65 points, gaining 3,303.23 points, or 2 per cent, from the previous close. The index later eased slightly but remained firmly in positive territory, reflecting sustained investor optimism.

Market analysts linked the rally to renewed diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions in the Middle East, particularly after indications emerged that Iran was reviewing a new proposal ...