Stock Analyst, Ismail Iqbal Pvt Ltd, Zaheer Ahmed told APP that due to the foreign investors' interest in blue chips companies caused the positive sentiments in the local markets.

He said that according to figure of National Clearing Company of Pakistan (NCCPL), the foreign investors had taken positions worth $5 million in the last week only.

"Market is expecting the positive announcement of results of National Bank of Pakistan (NBP) to be hoped on March 6, 2012", he added.

He added that the NBP was expected to announce the earning per share (EPS) Rs.10.50 and Rs.5.50 Cash dividend and 10 per cent bonus share for whole year ended on December 31.

Total volume of shares traded was 99,901, which was down by 24,209 as compared to a day earlier's closing.

Out of 138 companies' shares traded, the price of 96 was increased while the price of 42 decreased.

The price of top gainer Tri-Pack Films was increased by Rs.9.51 while the price of top loser decreased by Rs.2.00.

NBP, DG Khan Cement and Fatima Fertilizer remained volume leaders on Monday, with volume of 23,300, 18,000 and 18,000 shares respectively.