Pakistan captain Babar Azam scored an impressive 136, before England picked up four wickets in the final session to reduce the hosts to 499-7 at the close of play on day three and keep their faint hopes of winning the Test alive.
Babar was one of three Pakistan centurions, with openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq also reaching the landmark, as England's bowlers toiled on a pitch so lifeless even PCB chairman Ramiz Raja labelled it "embarrassing".
Debutant Will Jacks said at the end of day two England would need to "have a few crazy moments go our way" to win the Test and they worked incredibly hard to leave Pakistan 158 runs behind with their lengthy tail now exposed.