The government of Pakistan is set to spend approximately Rs. 150 million on providing meals to pilgrims during Hajj 2025, according to sources in the Ministry of Religious Affairs.
Each pilgrim is being provided meals worth 34 Saudi Riyals daily, while 1,360 Riyals per pilgrim have been collected specifically for the food services.
A total of 35 catering companies—22 in Makkah and 13 in Madinah—have been contracted to serve Pakistani pilgrims under the official scheme. The ministry claims that the food provided is both affordable and of high quality when compared to market alternatives, and includes three complete meals a day.
So far, 88,380 pilgrims have arrived in Saudi Arabia under the government scheme, while 27,011 have traveled through private operators. This brings the total number of Pakistani pilgrims to 115,391. However, this represents only 64.39% of the total Hajj quota of 179,210 granted to Pakistan, leaving 63,830 slots unutilized.
To make the spiritual journey more comfortable, the ministry has planned special traditional meals for Eid al-Adha on 10th Dhul Hijjah.
The breakfast will include omelet, halwa, local bread, and tea with milk. Lunch will feature chicken Bukhari rice, mung lentils, roti, and an apple, while dinner will offer minced mutton with potatoes, mixed vegetables, sweet rice (mutanjan), green tea, and various accompaniments. The pilgrims will also receive juice or lassi, fresh fruit, and water with every meal.
Hajj pilgrims under the government scheme are offered both long-duration (40 to 46 days) and short-duration (22 to 25 days) options.
The ministry says it aims to ensure that every aspect of the journey, from accommodation to food, is managed with care and transparency, though the underutilization of the national quota continues to raise questions regarding planning and outreach.
