Pakistan have built a 96-run lead over England in the first Test after an even second day in Dubai on Wednesday.
Having skittled England for 192 in their first innings, Pakistan fought to 288-7 at stumps to be in a strong position.
Mohammad Hafeez (88), Taufeeq Umar (58) and Misbah-ul-Haq (52) all managed half centuries but were unable to convert their starts into big scores.
For England, James Anderson (2-57), Stuart Broad (2-72) and Graeme Swann (2-89) took wickets at crucial periods to keep them in the game after a disastrous first day.
Resuming at 42-0, Pakistan opening pair Hafeez and Taufeeq took the score to 114 before England struck twice to finish the first session.
Taufeeq played around a Broad delivery, a ball after Hafeez had been dropped by a diving Chris Tremlett.
Broad removed Azhar Ali (one) before lunch when the right-hander got a faint edge through to Matt Prior.
Pakistan continued to build despite the double blow, but Hafeez fell as he looked headed for a fifth Test century.
Swann caught him in front, and he was given out after his desperate referral failed.
Younis Khan (37) had settled before he departed at the unlikely hands of part-time medium pacer Jonathan Trott.
Asad Shafiq (16) fell to Anderson, before Pakistan had a poor finish to the day, losing two wickets on the last five balls.
Swann took the big wicket of Misbah lbw thanks to a review and Abdur Rehman (four) was clean bowled by Anderson as England finished the day strongly to remain a chance in the first Test.