The hosts began the second day on Wednesday in trouble on 4-33 in response to South Africa's 220 all out.

But Alam led an impressive fightback with a fine 109 as Pakistan reached 8-308 at stumps.

Faheem Ashraf chipped in with 64 down the order after Azhar Ali spent almost four hours at the crease compiling 51.

Anrich Nortje and Lungi Ngidi took two wickets apiece for South Africa, who are playing in Pakistan for the first time since 2007.

South Africa, playing in their first Test in Pakistan for more than 13 years, only managed to pick up two wickets in the first two sessions after 14 had fallen on day one.

Azhar, playing in his 84th Test, made 51 before he tried to cut left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj and was caught behind by captain Quinton de Kock.

He and Fawad had shared a partnership of 94 for the fifth wicket.

The gritty Fawad, who scored his first Test century since 2009 against New Zealand in December, went on to compile three figures before his 245-ball vigil was ended.

Australian Associated Press