RAWALPINDI:
With the onset of winter, sales of all varieties of fish have surged in the fish markets of the twin cities of Rawalpindi and Islamabad, accompanied by a record hike in prices.
This year, fish prices have increased by Rs 200-250 per kilogram, while fried fish prices have increased by Rs 200-300 per kilogram.
As temperatures drop, fish vendors have become a common sight on streets and neighborhoods, selling their fish from carts.
Wholesale and retail fish sales have increased in Rawalpindi fish market with residents showing keen interest in fried and grilled fish.
Following the start of winter and the recent rains, a large number of families went to the fish markets, despite the rise in prices. Current prices include Mushka fish at Rs 1,650 per kg, Salmon at Rs 1,100, Singhara fish at Rs 1,050, Sole fish at Rs 2,250, Winter fish at Rs 1,800, Parrot fish at Rs 1,650, Bighead at Rs 750, Mashir at Rs 900, Churra Toffee fish at 600 Rs and shrimps at Rs 3,200 per kg. kg.
Citizens, including Arshad Javed, Chaudhry Imran and Sajid Khan, expressed anger over the price hike, saying inflation had made everything expensive and fish sellers had also raised prices excessively.
Fish sellers say prices are high this year due to the winter season, but fish remains an essential food for children.
They added that despite the high prices, citizens continue to buy between one and five kilos according to their means, enjoying fish fried in oil or grilled over charcoal.
Fish market trader Fayaz Abbasi said sea fish, river fish, fish imported from global markets and fish from dams were available.
He added that prawn prices have reached record highs with prawns selling at Rs 3,200 per kg, while fully cleaned prawns are being sold at Rs 4,000 per kg.
