Fish in Pakistan: Types, Benefits, Popular Fish & Health Myths Explained


Pakistan is rich in freshwater and marine fish, thanks to its rivers, lakes, dams, and a long coastline along the Arabian Sea. Fish is an important part of Pakistani cuisine and is valued for its taste, nutrition, and health benefits.

This article explains:

  • Types of fish found in Pakistan
  • The most common and delicious fish
  • Health benefits of eating fish
  • Fish for asthma and other health conditions
  • Best places in Pakistan to eat quality fish
  • The truth about fish with milk and skin diseases

🐠 Types of Fish Found in Pakistan

Fish in Pakistan are mainly divided into freshwater fish and saltwater (marine) fish.


🐟 Common Freshwater Fish in Pakistan

🐠 Rohu Fish

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  • Found in rivers, lakes, and fish farms
  • Very common and affordable
  • Soft meat, mild taste
  • Popular in curry dishes

🐠 Catla Fish

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  • Large-sized freshwater fish
  • Mostly eaten fried or in curry
  • Rich in protein

🐠 Mrigal Fish

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  • Common in Punjab and Sindh
  • Light taste and easy to digest

🐠 Common Carp

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  • Mostly farmed
  • Less expensive
  • Used in home cooking

🌊 Saltwater (Marine) Fish in Pakistan

🐟 Pomfret (Paplet)

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  • One of the most delicious fish
  • Soft white meat
  • Slightly expensive
  • Highly popular in Karachi

🐟 Hilsa (Palla)

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  • National favorite in Sindh
  • Oily, rich taste
  • Seasonal fish
  • Very nutritious

🐟 King Fish (Surmai)

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  • Firm meat, excellent for grilling
  • Found in deep sea
  • High omega-3 content

🐟 Tuna Fish

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  • Mostly exported
  • Strong taste
  • Excellent for heart health

⭐ Most Common Fish in Pakistan

The most commonly eaten fish in Pakistan are:

  • Rohu
  • Catla
  • Palla (Hilsa)
  • Pomfret

They are easily available and culturally popular.


😋 Most Delicious Fish to Eat

Taste depends on preference, but many people consider these the best-tasting fish:

  1. Pomfret
  2. Hilsa (Palla)
  3. King Fish (Surmai)
  4. Rohu (fresh & well-cooked)

💪 Health Benefits of Eating Fish

Eating fish regularly has many advantages:

  • High-quality protein
  • Omega-3 fatty acids
  • Improves heart health
  • Boosts brain function
  • Strengthens bones
  • Helps reduce inflammation
  • Supports eye health

🌬️ Is Fish Good for Asthma Patients?

Yes ✅
Fish is especially beneficial for asthma patients because:

  • Omega-3 reduces lung inflammation
  • Helps improve breathing
  • Supports immune system

Recommended fish for asthma patients:

  • Salmon
  • Tuna
  • Pomfret
  • Hilsa

⚠️ Deep-fried fish should be avoided.


📍 Best Places in Pakistan to Eat Fresh & Quality Fish

🏙️ Karachi

  • Burns Road
  • Do Darya
  • Kemari Fish Harbour

🏙️ Lahore

  • Mozang Fish Market
  • Food Street Gawalmandi

🏙️ Multan

  • Chenab river fish

🏙️ Sukkur

  • Famous for Palla fish

❌ Fish with Milk

Many people believe that eating fish with milk causes a disease where skin becomes black and white.

🩺 What is the disease?

The disease is commonly believed to be Vitiligo.

❗ Is it true?

No ❌ — This is a myth.

✔ Scientific Fact:

  • Fish and milk do not cause vitiligo
  • No specific fish causes skin color disease
  • Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition, not food-based

Doctors confirm there is no medical proof linking fish + milk to skin diseases.


Pakistan is blessed with a wide variety of freshwater and marine fish that are not only delicious but also highly nutritious. Fish supports heart health, brain development, and helps asthma patients. Myths about fish and milk causing skin diseases are completely false.

For best quality fish, visit coastal cities like Karachi or river regions of Punjab and Sindh, and always choose fresh, well-cooked fish for maximum benefits.

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