Energy scrips help index gain 323 points.

KARACHI -- The benchmark KSE-100 index was up by 322.79 points or almost one per cent on Thursday as investors continued the buying spree for third day in a row. The index closed at 33,762.48.

The market remained on the positive side as the news flow over aggressive stance by the opposition in the lead of JUI (F) seemed to have toned down with protesters stepping back from the intended sit-in or lockdown of capital. On the other hand, the government also adopted a reconciliatory approach, permitting the march within the ambit of law.

Although the precarious health of incarcerated former PM Nawaz Sharif raised some concerns on the possibility of public unrest, the postponement of azadi march to Oct 31 was likely to keep the market under pressure in the short run.

The tension over Pak-India border, the question mark over the government's ability to implement Financil Action Task Force's recommendations by February 2020, ongoing roll-over week for futures contract and upcoming earnings releases from cyclicals, kept investors cautious.

Analysts said the investors seemingly had firm view on decline in...