KARACHI (National Times)- Despite the appreciation of the Pakistani rupee against the US dollar, the gold price in Pakistan extended gains on Friday.

The price of the precious commodity rose by Rs200 per tola and Rs172 per 10 grams to settle at Rs142,200 and Rs121,914, respectively.

A day earlier, the precious commodity closed at Rs142,000 per tola and Rs121,742 per 10 grams.

Moreover, the demand for gold is slightly picking up pace due to the ongoing wedding season.

Meanwhile, silver prices in the domestic market remained unchanged at Rs1,520 per tola and Rs1,303.15 per 10 grams today.

Gold steadies in international market
In the international market, gold prices steadied but were set for a fourth straight weekly drop, as the US dollar resumed its rally. At the same time, the focus shifted to US non-farm payroll print that could influence expectations of interest rate hikes.

US gold futures firmed at $1,739.90. The dollar was set for its second consecutive week of gains, making bullion less attractive for overseas buyers.

“A strong payrolls number and another strong CPI number (next week) will merely serve to drive the dollar higher and gold lower.” Still, weaker readings could signal a policy shift and reset expectations around the September Fed meeting, said Michael Hewson, chief market analyst at CMC Markets UK.

On the technical front, gold’s break below the $1,760 level could signal a further slide to $1,720, and potentially the 2021 lows near $1,680, Hewson added.