KARACHI: As winter temperatures dip unusually low in Pakistan’s southern port city of Karachi this month, demand for seafood has surged sharply, driving up prices across markets and restaurants and sending fishermen deeper into the Arabian Sea in search of prized seasonal catches.
Karachi, typically known for its mild winters, has recorded temperatures as low as 8.1 degrees Celsius in recent days, spurring heavy footfall at the city’s famed Keamari Seafood Street, where diners crowd open-air eateries for barbecued fish, fries and spicy karahi dishes.
Industry stakeholders say the colder weather has triggered a seasonal spike in seafood consumption, with demand rising by as much as 90 percent, particularly for larger winter species that are also sought by export markets.
Out at sea, fishermen also say winter brings a distinct change in both catch and income.
“The launches chase big fish that include ribbonfish, king mackerel, pomfret and mostly ribbonfish in this season,” said a 70-year-old fisherman at Ibrahim Hyderi harbor who only gave his first name, Adam.
