KARACHI: Pakistani shares ended lower on Thursday, dragged down mainly by fertilizer and oil stocks, traders said.

The benchmark 100-share index of the Karachi Stock Exchange closed down 0.11 percent, or 37.99 points, at 33,792.37.

“Major negativity in the market came from the fertilizer sector, following news of the government urging farmers to shift from wheat to other crops to generate higher revenue as global and local wheat prices are declining,” said Ahmed Saeed Khan, vice president at JS Global Capital.

Falls in fertilizer stocks were led by Fauji Fertilizer bin Qasim Ltd, which declined 1.7 percent, and Engro Fertilizers Ltd, which was down 0.32 percent.

Attock Refinery Ltd. fell 3.7 percent, National Refinery Ltdwas down 6.2 percent and Pakistan State Oil C Ltd. lost 1.92 percent.

The rupee was stronger at 104.23/104.28 against the dollar, compared with Wednesday’s close of 104.32/104.37.

Overnight rates in the money market rose to 7.00 percent from Wednesday close of 6.90 percent.