Capital fish market buzzes amid soaring prices

Fish remains a popular choice for its nutritional benefits, including essential vitamins

ISLAMABAD:

As winter sets in, the bustling fish market in the federal capital has seen a surge in activity, but vendors and customers alike are grappling with skyrocketing prices and persistent challenges.

Muhammad Zubair, a vendor at a prominent fish stall at a local market in Aabpara, said that he had been selling fish for the last nine years. "We have almost all varieties of fish, including farm, sea, and ocean fish. Sea fish include Mushka, Red Snapper, Salmon, Pamphlet, and Surmai. Sea fish varieties include Sole fish, Mali, Desi White, and Black Rahu. Farm fishes include White and Black Rahu, Mahsher, Gulfam, and others."

"The price of fish ranges from around Rs600 to more than Rs3,000, depending on the type of fish. The prices are at their peak this year as compared to last year because of many factors, including carriage rate and others," he informed.

Another fish vendor Ghulam in Melody Market said that he had been selling fish for the last four years. "The most popular fish varieties that customers like and prefer to purchase are 'Rahu,' 'Mushka,' and 'Mahsheer'."We don't freeze fish to keep it fresh; we keep fish in the icebox," he said, adding fish prices have significantly increased as compared to last year, and most visitors complained about the rising prices of fish.

Talking about the problems the fish sellers are facing, Ghulam said, "We don't have proper safety uniforms, we most often receive injury and bruises while cutting and packing fish."

Rahim, a customer, said, "He prefers to purchase 'Rahu' and 'Tofi' fish. These types are good in taste. The whole family likes to eat fried fish."

He said that prices of fish have almost doubled as compared to last year, adding this winter he was purchasing fish after two weeks due to high rates. "In past years, I purchased fish almost every week in a month but inflation has affected everyone so badly," he regretted. He urged the government to reduce the existing rates for all to provide relief to the common men.

Talking about the benefits of eating fish, Dr Zakia, who has been running her private clinic for the past few years in Islamabad, said, "Fish is a good source of 'Vitamin E' and 'B12.'

"It contains a rich content of Omega-3 fatty acids, which have numerous benefits for overall health, including improved vision, improved heart and brain function, and bone health," she said, adding, "Fish is a source of protein; it also contains anti-inflammatory properties that help maintain arthritis. Dr Zakia recommended consuming fish at least twice a week to get the maximum benefits.