KARACHI: Pakistani stocks ended higher on Monday after a volatile session, buoyed by a rally in cement stocks, traders said.

The benchmark 100-share index of the Karachi Stock Exchange closed up 0.20 percent, or 65.29 points, at 32,826.24.

“This quote is an accurate depiction of today’s volatility at the bourse as it made a low of 287 points before bouncing back to make a high of 82 points ... with dull volumes amidst roll-over week,” said Arhum Ghous, an analyst at JS Global Capital.

In the cement sector, D G Khan Cement Company Ltd. spiked up 1.2 percent after the company announced its yearly earnings of 3.2 billion rupees against 2 billion rupees a year earlier.

“The result was well above market estimates,” said Ghous, adding improved gross margin, lower selling and distribution cost and higher portfolio income helped the company’s earnings.

However, the oil sector continued to remain under pressure as Pakistan State Oil Co. Ltd, Oil and Gas Development Co. Ltd. and Pakistan Oilfields Ltd. closed down.

The rupee was unchanged at 104.32/104.37 against the dollar.

Overnight rates in the money market fell to 5.00 percent from Friday close of 6.25 percent.