KARACHI: Pakistani stocks ended slightly higher on Monday in dull trade in the absence of any significant market triggers, traders said.

The benchmark 100-share index of the Karachi Stock Exchange closed up 0.03 percent, or 11.77 points, at 33,966.75.

“Another dull session was seen today as investor were reluctant to take fresh buying in the absence of any triggers,” said Mohammad Rizwan, head of sales at Topline Securities (Pvt) Ltd.

Traded volume declined by 7 percent to 135 million shares, while traded value increased by 4 percent to 7.5 billion rupees ($71.8 million).

The rupee was weaker at 104.40/104.45 against the dollar, compared with Friday’s close of 104.31/104.36.

Overnight rates in the money market remained flat at 6.25 percent.

Rizwan also said that lower-than-expected quarterly results of Maple Leaf Cement Factory forced investors to trim their positions in the stock, which closed down 2.9 percent.

However, renewed interest was seen in textile stocks after Finance Minister Ishaq Dar announced a relief package for the textile industry last week.

Nishat Mills Ltd. rose 2 percent and Nishat Chunian gained 2.4 percent.