Pakistan stocks ease amid investor caution

Karachi:  Pakistan stocks ended slightly higher on Monday, led by the banking sector, but in dull trade as dealers said investors were cautious about taking fresh positions because of security worries and political uncertainty.

The Karachi Stock Exchange benchmark 100-share index ended at 49.87 points, or 0.54 per cent, higher at 9,233.60 on turnover of 74.38 million shares.

"Investors are hesitant to take any new positions until things on the political front become a bit clearer," said Sajid Bhanji, a dealer at brokers Arif Habib Ltd.

The Supreme Court threw out last week a 2007 amnesty that had protected President Asif Ali Zardari and top aides from charges, heaping pressure on the leader.

Dealers said a positive trigger could be approval of the fourth tranche of the IMF loan.