In a remarkable turn of fortune, Haji Baloch, a fisherman from the Ibrahim Haidri village in Karachi, Pakistan, found himself an overnight millionaire after auctioning a rare and precious ‘Golden Fish’ or ‘Sova’ from the Arabian Sea. The catch, made by Haji Baloch and his team, has garnered significant attention due to its medicinal properties.
Mubarak Khan, representing the Pakistan Fishermen Folk Forum, revealed that the ‘Sova’ fish was auctioned on Friday morning at the Karachi port for an astounding sum of approximately Rs 7 crore. This rare fish is celebrated for the substances found in its stomach, known for their exceptional healing and medicinal qualities. The thread-like substance extracted from the fish is even employed in surgical procedures.
Haji Baloch shared that each fish in the auction commanded a staggering price of around Rs 70 lakh. Typically weighing between 20 to 40 kg and reaching lengths of up to 1.5 meters, the ‘Sova’ fish is highly sought after in East Asian countries. Beyond its commercial value, the ‘Sova’ fish also holds cultural and traditional significance, being utilized in traditional medicines and local cuisine.
Baloch recounted the unexpected discovery, stating, “We were fishing in the open sea of Karachi… then we found the goldfish, and it was unexpected for us.” Expressing his generosity, he mentioned plans to share the substantial earnings with his team of seven people. He further explained that these fish usually approach the coast during the breeding season.
The story of Haji Baloch’s extraordinary catch has not only brought him newfound prosperity but has also highlighted the significance of traditional fishing practices and the ecological diversity of the Arabian Sea. The ‘Sova’ fish, with its dual value of cultural importance and medicinal properties, stands as a symbol of the unexpected treasures that the sea can offer to those who depend on it for their livelihoods.
