LAHORE, April 21: The Punjab Fisheries Department has successfully experimented artificial breeding of an endangered fish species, found abundantly in the rivers of northern Punjab, called Mahasher.

Fisheries director-general Dr Muhammad Ayub said on Monday Pakistan was the first country of the South Asian region which had artificially bred the fish species. Countries like India, Nepal, Sri Lanka and Bhutan were still struggling in the field, he added.

Dr Ayub termed the success a breakthrough in the conservation of the fish.

Mahasher has been facing the threat of extinction due to pollution, population load, prolonged drought and excessive illegal netting.

Dr Ayub said keeping in view the serious threats to this popular game fish, a team of scientists took one year in breeding the fish at the Fish Seed Nursery Unit, Hattian, Attock.

He said the seed achieved after the artificial breeding of Mahasher would be released in the rivers and streams of northern Punjab for its natural growth.