Winter season in Pakistan.

Byline: TASMIA SHABANA - Lahore

Letter -- etter

_: By the grace of Allah Almighty, Pakistan has been bestowed four weather seasons in the form of spring, summer, autumn and winter. Winter starts from November and ends in March and it is considered as the coldest season of the year. As the winter starts knocking on the door of Pakistan, fish marketing got more momentum because the consumption rate becomes multiple as compared to the summer.

Different varieties of uncooked and fried fish are available at affordable prices at fish outlets. The fisheries department is playing a crucial role in any country's economy and to fulfil nutritional requirements. Globally, fish is recognised as the most traded eatable commodity and this department provides millions of jobs for unemployed workers. In 2011, fish production was 93.7 million tons globally. Marine fish production has also great contribution in total fish production and this rate is expanding with an average rate of 6.2%. In 2012, 58.3 million people were directly or indirectly employed in the fisheries sector.

The fisheries sector is also playing an effective role in the stability of the Pakistani economy. In Pakistan, the fish production rate is increasing since the last two decades and this production was 82,448 metric ton in 2010. Officially, it is reported that every year, almost 70% of the total fish catch was exported to developed countries like Japan, Europe, US and Middle Eastern countries for good earnings. In Pakistan, almost 400,000 people are directly and 600,000 are indirectly attached to fish farming.

According to the fisheries and agriculture organisation, in Pakistan, there are 26 indigenous and only 2 exotic fish species cultured. A great fish supplied to local markets comes from Simli, Shahpur Mangla and Tarbela Dams, Chasma Barrage, Rawal Dam, Alipur, Azad Kashmir, Gujranwala, Mandi Bahaudin, Chenab, Indus River and private fish farms. A huge quantity of Gulfam, Dambro, Sole, Burraqidambro, rohu, thela, malli, sanghari and sea fishes like Khagga, Pomphret, Safed and tiger prawns in and out annually at great extent.

A saline water fish Selabiyatyarpatiya is well known due to its salty and crispy flavour. Pakistani people prefer to eat fish that weighs between 2 to 4 kilograms and have few bones.

In the beginning of chilly winter in Pakistan, demand for dry fruits increases and also seen a noticeable hike in the prices of roasted dry fruits at their outlets. People mostly...