ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Hajj Mission (PHM) has imposed 17 penalties amounting to SAR 263,580 ($71,000) on six catering companies contracted to provide meals to Pakistani pilgrims in Makkah, state-run media reported on Tuesday.

Nine catering companies have been employed by the Pakistan Hajj Mission to fulfill the food demands of approximately 70,105 pilgrims who will be performing Hajj under the government scheme this year. More than 55,990 have already arrived in Saudi Arabia via 217 flights since May 9.

Pakistan has a Hajj quota of 179,210 pilgrims this year, of which around 70,000 people will perform the pilgrimage under the government scheme, while the rest will use private tour operators.

“Most of the penalties are imposed for violating certain elements of the agreement and to ensure timely hygienic food to the pilgrims without any interruption in the supply chain,” the Associated Press of Pakistan (APP) said, quoting officials at PHM.

The report said PHM staff were closely monitoring hygiene conditions and food quality, and that meals were being provided timely.

Catering companies were selected after a competitive and transparent bidding process to provide the safest and healthiest food to pilgrims: “This rigorous evaluation is an integral part of the initial phase of meal provision, ensuring a thorough preparation process,” APP said. 

The hiring process for caterers was initiated in November last year after the federal cabinet’s approval that quality food would be provided at a rate of SAR 35 per person for a day. 

PHM officials said food coordinators were carrying out continuous surveillance during food preparation and round-the-clock monitoring of kitchens. The quality and quantity of food were rechecked upon arrival at residential buildings and hotels where the pilgrims were being accommodated by the mission. The daily menu includes both Pakistani and continental cuisines while serving times were flexible to avoid rush. Foods on the menu include meat, lentils, vegetables, rice, two types of bread, yogurt, fruit, sweets, tea and water.

APP said the feedback mechanism included a digital app that had so far received and resolved 506 food-related complaints. Manually registered complaints were also being resolved while a 400-member dedicated Pakistan Hajj Medical Mission (PHMM) was also on the ground. 

Pakistan has also established two hospitals and 11 dispensaries in the Saudi cities of Makkah, Madinah and Jeddah to provide health care to Hajj pilgrims.

This year’s pilgrimage is expected to run from June 14-19. Pakistan’s pre-Hajj flight operation, which began on May 9, will continue until June 9.