KARACHI: Pakistani stocks closed higher, supported by interest in cement and banking shares, traders said.

The Karachi Stock Exchange’s (KSE) benchmark 100-share index ended 0.22 percent, or 41.20 points, higher at 18,764.55 points.

Al-Abbas Cement Industries Ltd. rose 4.48 percent to 6.30 rupees and National Bank of Pakistan was up 2.52 percent to 38.61 rupees.

In the currency market, the rupee ended at 98.20/98.25 against the dollar, stronger than Wednesday’s close of 98.30/98.35.

Overnight rates in the money market fell to 9.40 percent from Wednesday’s close of 9.50 percent.