Grilled Fish: A Rising Star of Iftar Parties in Peshawar’s Namak Mandi
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Peshawar: As the holy month of Ramadan unfolds, Peshawar’s food scene has witnessed a notable shift in culinary preferences. Amid soaring prices of meat and poultry, grilled fish has emerged as a sought-after delicacy for iftar gatherings, drawing crowds to the historic Namak Mandi food street.
On a bustling Sunday evening, the air in Namak Mandi was thick with the aroma of freshly grilled fish, seasoned with a variety of spicy sauces. Families and food lovers gathered in droves, eager to indulge in the dish that has swiftly become a Ramazan favorite.
A Vendor’s Perspective
Nisar Ali, a 40-year-old fish vendor, has been running a successful eatery in Namak Mandi for two decades. As orders surged, he and his team of three laborers worked tirelessly to clean and cook a diverse range of fish, including rahu, shermai, mahsher, and grass carp.
“The recent hike in meat and chicken prices has pushed people toward seafood, making grilled fish a popular and relatively affordable iftar option,” Ali explained.
This surge in demand has not only benefited vendors like him but also provided economic opportunities to thousands involved in the fisheries sector across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. According to Ali, nearly 200,000 people in the province are directly or indirectly linked to fish-related businesses.
Economic Shift
For customers like Riaz Khan, a resident of Nowshera, grilled fish has become a staple of their iftar meals.
“Iftar feels incomplete without grilled fish. It’s flavorful, healthy, and more affordable than other protein sources,” Khan remarked while enjoying his meal at Namak Mandi with his family.
Beyond its culinary appeal, fish consumption is also influenced by economic factors. As inflation tightens household budgets, many consumers are opting for fish over traditional meat options.
The Growing Fisheries Sector
Muhammad Zubair, Director of the Fisheries Department, confirmed the rising demand for fish in Ramazan, noting that Pakistan, despite being rich in water resources, has historically maintained low fish consumption levels.
According to official figures, the country is home to 531 species of fish, including 233 freshwater species found in rivers, lakes, and ponds in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The province has 60,470 hectares of freshwater ponds and 110,000 hectares of natural warm-water lakes.
Despite these resources, per capita fish consumption in Pakistan remains at just 2 kilograms per year, significantly lower than the global average of 17 kilograms.
Experts like Dr Muhammad Naeem from the University of Swabi’s Economics Department highlight the untapped potential of fish farming in addressing Pakistan’s economic challenges.
“With adequate financial incentives for fish farmers, Pakistan could harness its aquatic resources to boost food security and exports,” Dr Naeem said.
Pakistan’s seafood exports have already shown promise, generating over Rs12.40 billion in revenue. The sector is expected to see further growth, particularly with the completion of the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which includes projects to develop fisheries infrastructure.
Challenges and Sustainability Concerns
Despite its potential, the fisheries sector faces challenges such as overfishing, water pollution, and climate change. The shermai fish, native to the Kabul River, is particularly vulnerable due to excessive fishing and environmental degradation.
Muhammad Zubair emphasized the need for conservation measures, including banning excessive fishing and preventing industrial waste discharge into water bodies to protect native fish species.
Recognizing the growing demand for seafood, the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa government is investing in fisheries development. Under the “Development of Cold Water Fisheries Resources” project, 297 trout lakes are being established in the Malakand and Hazara divisions.
Additionally, initiatives like the “Trout Village” project have led to the creation of 93 trout farms, boosting fish production.
According to Usman Ali, General Secretary of the Swat Trout Fish Farming Association, trout farming has the potential to generate significant revenue.
“A farmer with 50 marlas of land and proper water management can produce 3,000 kg of trout, earning approximately Rs2.5 million in profit,” he explained.
While climate change poses risks to trout farming, industry experts remain optimistic that strategic investments and government support will strengthen the sector.
The Way Forward
As grilled fish continues to dominate iftar menus in Peshawar, the rising demand reflects broader economic and culinary shifts in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. With increased investment in fish farming, improved infrastructure, and conservation efforts, the province’s fisheries sector holds immense potential for economic growth and sustainability.
Namak Mandi’s thriving food scene is just one example of how seafood is reshaping dietary preferences in the region—one delicious, grilled fillet at a time.
