Pakistan benchmark share index extends rally, breaches 73,000

Pakistan's benchmark share index breached the key level of 73,000 to trade at a record high of 73,300 in early trade on Monday, according to data from the Pakistan Stock Exchange website.

The index has surged 75.4% over the past year and is up 12.5% year-to-date.

The Central Bank's monetary policy will announce a policy rate decision later in the day, and the International Monetary Fund's executive board will meet on Monday to decide on releasing the final tranche of $1.1 million to the cash-strapped nation. (Reporting by Ariba Shahid in Karachi; Editing by Jacqueline Wong, Ros Russell and Kim Coghill)