KARACHI: Pakistani stocks ended lower on sell-offs in energy stocks on continuing negative sentiment about the sector, analysts said.

The benchmark 100-share index of the Pakistan Stock Exchange closed down 0.87 percent at 31,011.77.

Oil stocks took a beating, with Oil and Gas Development Company Ltd, Pakistan Petroleum Ltd, Pakistan Oilfields Ltd. and Pakistan State Oil Company Ltd. posting sharp falls.

Other index heavyweights that contributed to the day’s losses were D G Khan Cement Company Ltd. and Lucky Cement Ltd.

The one bright spot on the day was National Bank of Pakistan, which closed up nearly 5 percent after reporting better-than-expected earnings.

Volume was down to 70 million shares, with the traded value at 4.78 billion rupees ($45.63 million), according to the exchange website.

The rupee ended at 104.74/104.79 against the dollar, compared with Thursday’s close of 104.74/104.81.

Overnight rates in the money market fell to 6.10 percent from Thursday’s close of 6.25 percent.