GILGIT: The Gilgit-Baltistan fisheries department released over 70,000 trout fish fingerlings in Attabad Lake in Hunza and several lakes of the picturesque Naltar valley of Gilgit to increase population of the species in the region.

Over 50,000 fingerlings were released in Attabad Lake during a ceremony on Friday, according to a press release.

GB secretary agriculture, livestock and fisheries Khadim Hussain Saleem was the chief guest. Director fisheries Ghulam Mohiuddin, deputy director fisheries Ikram Hussain, SSP Hunza Zahoor Ahmed, local community members and tourists were in attendance.

Mr Mohiuddin briefed the participants regarding steps being taken by the fisheries department for conservation and promotion of trout fish across GB.

Addressing the function, speakers lauded the measures taken by the fisheries department for conservation of different varieties of fish in the region.

Meanwhile, a separate function was held in Naltar valley on Saturday to release 20,000 fingerlings in lakes.

A large number of officials and local community members were in attendance.

Earlier, the fisheries department had organised a three-day fishing gala in Shyok River in Ghanche district for promoting fisheries for sustainable and healthy environmental management.

Mohammad Latif won the first position as he caught biggest amount of fish, while Shahbaz Ali won the second position.

Cash prizes were distributed among the winners.

Published in Dawn, May 29th, 2022