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 rise in prices.
This year, fish prices have increased by Rs200 to Rs250 per kilogram, while fried fish prices have increased by Rs200 to Rs300 per kilogram.
As temperatures drop, fishmongers have become a common sight in streets and neighborhoods, selling fish on stretcher carts.
Wholesale and retail sales of fish have increased at the Rawalpindi fish market, where residents show great interest in fried and grilled fish.
After the onset of winter and recent rainfall, a large number of families visited fish markets despite rising 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, Big Head at Rs.750, Mashir at Rs.900, Fish at Rs.900 Rs 3,200 per kg.
Citizens including Arshad Javed, Chaudhry Imran and Sajid Khan expressed anger over the rising prices, saying inflation has made everything expensive and fish sellers have also hiked the prices too much.
Fish sellers said prices are high this year due to the winter season, but fish remains an important food item for children.
They added that despite high prices, citizens continue to buy between one and five kilos according to their means and enjoy fish fried in oil or grilled over charcoal.
Fish market trader Fayaz Abbasi said sea fish, river fish, imported fish from global markets and fish from dams are available.
He added that shrimp prices have reached record levels, with shrimp selling at Rs3,200 per quintal. kg, while fully cleaned prawns are sold at Rs4,000 per kg. kg.
