Marnus Labuschagne scored his maiden Test century to guide Australia to a commanding lead in response to Pakistan’s 240 all out from day one.
Australia were eventually bowled out for 580, with an overall lead of 340 runs, before taking three wickets late in the day to be in the box seat for an early victory on day four.
Pakistan was 3-64 at stumps with Shaan Masood unbeaten on 27* along Babar Azam on 20*.
Mitchell Starc took two early wickets, dismissing both captain Azhan Ali (5) and Haris Sohail (8) cheaply.
Patrick Cummins added another scalp with first innings top scorer Asad Shafiq caught by Steve Smith for a duck, reducing Pakistan to 3-25 at that stage.
Earlier Labuschagne was the story, resuming from the overnight score of 1-312, with the Queenslander taking his score from 55* to triple figures alongside David Warner.
Warner, who resumed on 151*, was first out on day two caught by Muhammed Rizwan off youngster Naseem Shah for 154.
After a long wait to bat, Smith didn’t last long, bowled by Yasir Shah for 4.
Labuschagne kept the innings together, providing a platform and a steady hand in partnerships with Matthew Wade, Travis Head and Tim Paine.
The South Africa-born 25-year-old was eventually dismissed by Shaheen Shah Afridi for 185.
Yasir Shah finished as Pakistan’s best bowler, with 4-205 from almost 50 overs, while Shaheen and Haris both took two wickets.
Pakistan will resume on day four trailing Australia by 276 runs with seven wickets remaining.