RAWALPINDI:
With the onset of winter, sales of all varieties of fish increased 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 Rs 200 to Rs 250 per kilogram, while fried fish prices have increased by Rs 200 to Rs 300 per kilogram.
As temperatures drop, fish vendors have become a common sight on the streets and neighborhoods, selling fish from carts.
Wholesale and retail fish sales have increased at the Rawalpindi fish market, with residents showing great interest in fried and grilled fish.
Following the onset of winter and recent rains, large numbers 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 at Rs 2,250, winter fish at Rs 1,800, parrot fish at Rs 1,650, bighead fish at Rs 750, mashir at Rs 900, toffee churra fish at Rs 600 and shrimp at Rs 3,200. per kg. kilograms.
Citizens, including Arshad Javed, Chaudhry Imran and Sajid Khan, expressed their anger over the rise in prices, saying inflation has made everything expensive and fish sellers have also increased prices excessively.
Fish sellers said 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 kilograms according to their means, enjoying fish fried in oil or grilled.
Fish market trader Fayaz Abbasi said sea fish, river fish, imported fish from world markets and fish from dams are available.
He added that shrimp prices have reached record levels: shrimp is selling for Rs 3,200 per kg, while completely cleaned shrimp is sold for Rs 4,000 per kg.
