Profit-taking pulled the Pakistan Stock Exchange's benchmark KSE-100 index down 251.44 points, or 0.14 percent, to close at 179,084 on Wednesday. The modest dip came in a week in which the index has still gained almost 3 percent.
Pakistan State Oil and Sui Southern Gas were among the leading gainers, while Fauji Cement, Maple Leaf Cement and National Bank of Pakistan were among the main losers. Cement has been one of the week's strongest sectors overall, but several of its heavyweights came under pressure on the day.
The index is up 5,197 points so far this week and 12,674 points, or 7.62 percent, in November. The dollar closed at Rs276.95 in the interbank market, while Brent crude rose to nearly $93 a barrel. Traders are now watching whether the index can hold close to the psychological 180,000 level or slips into consolidation.