The Businessmen Group (BMG) won all 30 seats in the Karachi Chamber of Commerce & Industry’s Executive Committee elections for 2026–28. Provisional results gave the group approximately 90 percent of the combined candidate votes received by the two principal panels. BMG candidates collectively secured 45,106 votes against the Businessmen Alliance’s (BMA) 5,006, establishing a lead of 40,100 votes. These figures represent aggregate candidate votes, rather than the number of individual voters. In the Corporate Category, BMG collected 22,887 votes against BMA’s 2,421. As a result, it finished 20,466 votes ahead and secured all 15 seats. Meanwhile, BMG received 22,219 votes in the Associate Category, compared with BMA’s 2,585. Its 19,634-vote lead delivered the remaining 15 seats. Polling took place on September 26. Next, the chamber’s election schedule provides for office-bearer elections and its annual general meeting on September 30. Read More: Pakistan Creates History With Clean Sweep in ACC Board Election Following the victory, BMG Chairman Zubair Motiwala thanked voters and pledged greater attention to Karachi’s economic development. “We are deeply grateful to each and every voter who came out in such large numbers and cast their votes in favour of BMG. This overwhelming mandate and the amazing margin of nearly 90 percent is a matter of great honour and responsibility for us”, said Zubair Motiwala. He also said the leadership bowed its head before Allah Almighty in gratitude for the victory. Furthermore, he renewed BMG’s commitment to serving Karachi and its business community. “During our meetings and engagements with the business community, we made a commitment to Karachi, and today we reaffirm that commitment. We will work with even greater zeal and dedication for Karachi, and a major part of our attention and efforts during the next six months will be devoted to the city and its economic development”, Motiwala said. Alongside Motiwala, BMG Vice Chairman Anjum Nisar, Jawed Bilwani, Mian Abrar Ahmed and Tariq Yousuf expressed gratitude to the business community. KCCI President Rehan Hanif, Senior Vice President Muhammad Raza and Vice President Arif Lakhani also thanked voters. The leaders praised supporters for responding promptly and voting for BMG candidates. They acknowledged Arif Habib, Aqeel Karim Dhedhi, Jawed Happy, Maqsood Ismail and Saqib Fayaz. In addition, they thanked Anwar Karim, Yaqoob Karim, Hanif Gauher, Rizwan Irfan, Mohsin Shekhani and Hassan Bakhsi. They also recognised other businessmen and industrialists who supported the panel. Read More: Two Days to Tax Deadline: KCCI Seeks Urgent Fix for IRIS Access Motiwala thanked the group’s supporters and well-wishers for their continued confidence. He linked the result to BMG’s longstanding role in representing the business community. “BMG has been serving the business community for the last 28 years, and this mandate has further strengthened our resolve to continue working for the betterment of Karachi and Pakistan’s economy,” he added. The clean sweep gives BMG every contested committee seat across both membership categories. However, the results remain provisional, as stated in the chamber’s announcement.
What Oladoc’s Partnership With Jubilee Life Means for Its Users
Jubilee Life Insurance Company Limited’s Window Takaful Operations has partnered with Oladoc to expand digital access to financial protection. The collaboration, announced on September 28, connects its voluntary, annually renewable Term Takaful solutions with the digital healthcare platform’s users. The arrangement allows Oladoc’s audience to explore five protection plans through a platform they already use for healthcare services. Jubilee Life said the initiative aims to make Takaful more accessible, relevant and convenient for consumers across Pakistan. The available products include the Jubilee Hospitalization Cash Reimbursement Takaful Plan and Jubilee Personal Accident Takaful Plan. Users can also access the Jubilee Income Protection Takaful Plan, Jubilee Health Takaful Plan and Cancer Cover Takaful Plan. Together, the products address healthcare expenses, personal accidents, income continuity and critical health risks. Participation remains voluntary, with the plans renewable annually. The collaboration brings financial protection options into the digital healthcare journey. Jubilee Life aims to reach consumers when they are considering both their medical needs and related financial concerns. Sohail Fakhar, Executive Director, Sales and Marketing, Jubilee Life Insurance, said: “Our focus is on making protection simpler and easier to access, and digital partnerships are an important part of that effort. By collaborating with platforms such as Oladoc, we can reach consumers through channels that are already part of their everyday lives and bring relevant Takaful protection closer to them.” For Oladoc, the arrangement adds access to financial protection alongside its existing healthcare services. Its website and mobile application already help patients book doctor appointments, arrange online consultations and access laboratory tests. Syed Ali Raza Sherazi, Head of Commercials, Oladoc, added: “Our aim has always been to build a more comprehensive healthcare ecosystem for our users. Access to relevant financial protection complements the digital healthcare services our audience already relies on, helping bring healthcare access and financial protection closer together through a familiar digital platform.” The companies have worked together previously on digital healthcare access. In August 2024, Jubilee Life announced an Oladoc collaboration covering outpatient services for employees, retail and corporate customers, and Jubilee Active users. That arrangement provided access to in-person appointments, video consultations, diagnostic laboratory services and medical record sharing. The latest collaboration extends their relationship into access to voluntary Term Takaful protection for Oladoc’s own audience. Jubilee Life began its Window Takaful Operations on July 7, 2015, offering Shariah-compliant protection products. The company says an independent Shariah adviser supervises its Family Takaful products and operations. It also maintains an internal Shariah compliance department and undergoes an external Shariah audit. The new announcement did not disclose contribution rates, coverage limits, eligibility requirements or exclusions for the five plans. It also did not detail the enrolment or claims process. Jubilee Life said the partnership supports its focus on digital innovation and customer needs. For both companies, the stated objective is to bring healthcare access and financial protection closer together through an established digital channel.
K Nova Plans Solar, Wind and Storage Solutions Across Pakistan
liver smarter, more reliable, and sustainable energy solutions for commercial, industrial, residential customers and utility partners across the country.” K Nova said it is partnering with leading global original equipment manufacturers in solar, wind and battery technologies. These partnerships aim to bring international expertise and products to Pakistan. The company expects the collaborations to facilitate advanced technology transfers, create local employment and support locally developed products and solutions. The announcement did not identify the manufacturers or disclose investment amounts and implementation timelines for the expanded mandate. The rebranding follows earlier investment in K-Solar through KE Ventures. In April 2026, KE reported that its investment arm had deployed more than Rs1.3 billion in K-Solar, its first business. KE Ventures’ wider investment plans cover renewable energy, distributed generation, electric mobility, industrial infrastructure, technology and financial technology services. The investment arm’s establishment in 2020 marked an earlier step in KE’s diversification beyond its core utility operations. K-Solar had also begun developing partnerships beyond conventional solar installations before adopting its new identity. In June 2025, KE and K-Solar signed a memorandum of understanding with Huawei Technologies in Shenzhen, China. The agreement covered utility-scale and industrial battery storage, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and microgrids. It established a framework for feasibility assessments, technology sharing and pilot projects tailored to Pakistan’s energy needs. KE’s Sustainability Report 2025 also outlined K-Solar’s existing financing and delivery models. These included power purchase agreements, engineering, procurement and construction services, and equipment rental solutions. Those arrangements served businesses in sectors including textiles, automotive, steel, chemicals and fast-moving consumer goods. The report also described diversification into wind, battery storage, hybrid systems and digital energy platforms, providing the groundwork for K Nova’s broader mandate.
World Rabies Day: Sindh Urges Residents to Act Quickly After Dog Bites
Sindh Senior Minister Sharjeel Inam Memon has urged people to seek immediate vaccination after dog bites, warning against treating such injuries lightly. In a World Rabies Day statement on September 28, he said the provincial government was using all available resources to prevent rabies. He also said authorities had developed a comprehensive strategy to control the disease across Sindh. Memon, who holds the information, transport and mass transit portfolios, said government hospitals and Rural Health Centres throughout the province had anti-rabies vaccines available. His spokesperson, Hussain Mansoor, issued the statement, which stressed timely treatment and cooperation between the government, medical experts and the public. Minister calls for immediate action after bites Memon urged residents to avoid negligence following a bite from a dog or another potentially rabid animal. He said people should not dismiss bite wounds or delay vaccination. The minister said Sindh was adopting modern methods to prevent the spread of rabies. However, the statement did not identify those methods or provide a timetable for specific interventions. Read More: Dog Chews Battery, Nearly Burns Down Family Home He said the government was working with medical professionals and communities towards making the province free from rabies. The statement also did not provide hospital-level vaccine stocks, recent case figures or details of rabies immunoglobulin availability. Its assurance on vaccine supplies covered government hospitals and Rural Health Centres across Sindh. Wound washing and urgent care are essential Rabies is a preventable viral disease that attacks the central nervous system. Infected animals can transmit it through bites and scratches. The disease becomes almost invariably fatal once clinical symptoms appear. Treatment after a possible exposure must therefore begin before symptoms develop. International health guidance recommends immediately washing a bite or scratch with soap and plenty of water for at least 15 minutes. The injured person should then seek urgent medical attention. Washing the wound is an essential first step, but it does not replace professional assessment or vaccination when required. Post-exposure prophylaxis, the treatment used to prevent rabies after exposure, includes wound care and a course of rabies vaccine. Depending on the exposure, clinicians may also administer rabies immunoglobulin or approved monoclonal antibodies into the wound. Even minor scratches without bleeding can require vaccination after contact with a suspected rabid animal. A clinician should assess the exposure and determine the necessary treatment. Prevention extends beyond treatment Long-term rabies control also requires action to prevent transmission from animals to people. International prevention strategies combine mass dog vaccination with accessible treatment for exposed people, trained health workers and stronger disease surveillance. Community education helps people avoid bites and recognise when they need medical care. Read More: Islamabad Incident Sparks Outrage After Journalist’s Pet Dog Killed These measures complement the public cooperation Memon sought in his World Rabies Day message. For residents facing a possible exposure, the immediate priority remains prompt wound washing and medical assessment. Memon’s appeal urged people to act quickly and use available treatment services instead of overlooking an injury.
Tax Filing Pressure Mounts as ABAD Joins Calls for More Time
The Association of Builders and Developers (ABAD) has urged the federal government to extend the September 30 income tax return filing deadline. It says ongoing elections across business organisations have left taxpayers with insufficient time to prepare their returns. ABAD Chairman Muhammad Hassan Bakhshi appealed to the government and the Federal Board of Revenue to announce a reasonable extension. He said additional time would help businesspeople complete preparations and submit their returns within a revised deadline. The appeal comes as taxpayers approach the deadline for Tax Year 2026, with several business and professional organisations also seeking more time. Business elections delay return preparations Bakhshi said associations, chambers of commerce and other trade organisations were occupied with electoral activities. These commitments had prevented members of the business community from completing their tax return preparations, he added. He argued that the overlap between business elections and the filing deadline had created practical difficulties for traders and entrepreneurs. Read More: Hanif Gohar Wins ABAD Chairmanship Without a Contest An extension would allow them to participate in the electoral process and then complete their tax obligations, he said. Bakhshi called for adequate time to meet those obligations without additional pressure. His statement sought a suitable extension but did not propose a specific replacement date. He expressed hope that the federal government would consider the requests of businesses and other taxpayers before announcing its decision. Builders and property businesses seek more time The ABAD chairman highlighted the position of people working in construction and real estate, alongside taxpayers from other sectors. He said preparing returns required businesspeople to complete several related tasks. The remaining time might therefore prove insufficient for those who had yet to finish their preparations. Bakhshi urged the government and FBR to take these difficulties into account when reviewing the September 30 deadline. His request focused on providing more preparation time. It did not seek an exemption from filing income tax returns. The appeal adds an election-related concern to the wider debate over this year’s filing schedule. Other organisations have raised separate complaints about technical and procedural difficulties. Wider calls for a revised filing schedule Tax bar associations, chambers and trade bodies have also approached FBR Chairman Rashid Mahmood Langrial for a one-month extension. Their concerns include technical problems with IRIS, delayed notification of return forms and extensive additional disclosure requirements. Tax practitioners have separately sought an extension until November 30, citing workload, electricity outages and slow portal performance. These requests remain proposals from taxpayers’ representatives and do not themselves change the filing deadline. Read More: FBR to Start Deducting 5% Tax From Social Media Revenue FBR’s published schedule sets September 30 as the normal deadline for individuals and associations of persons. Some companies follow different filing dates. The authority’s filing guidance also requires taxpayers to complete the applicable return and wealth statement. Successful submission requires the forms to move from Draft to Completed Task in IRIS. Against that backdrop, Bakhshi urged a timely decision that would give affected businesses clarity and sufficient time to complete their returns.
Two Days to Tax Deadline: KCCI Seeks Urgent Fix for IRIS Access
The Karachi Chamber of Commerce and Industry has urged the Federal Board of Revenue (FBR)to restore taxpayers’ previous IRIS passwords. It says password changes have disrupted income tax return filing ahead of the September 30 deadline. KCCI President Muhammad Rehan Hanif raised the concerns in a September 28 statement, with only two days remaining before the deadline. He said taxpayers already struggling with heavy traffic on the online portal now faced an additional obstacle in regaining account access. Hanif claimed that FBR had changed the passwords of all income tax return filers. He urged immediate action to allow taxpayers to access IRIS without interruption and complete their returns on time. Overseas taxpayers face access problems Hanif said the changes had created particular difficulties for people living abroad or travelling. He estimated that at least 30 per cent of taxpayers who were overseas or travelling faced problems obtaining new passwords. The chamber’s statement did not explain the basis for that estimate. According to Hanif, taxpayers abroad were not receiving the SMS messages needed to obtain new passwords, affecting their access to IRIS. He said the password changes had made the filing process more complicated during the final days before the deadline. His immediate demand focused on restoring previous passwords so affected users could regain access. The chamber circulated the statement through Additional Secretary General Aamir Hassan. It did not include an FBR response or explain why the authority had reportedly changed passwords. Password recovery relies on registered contacts FBR’s published guidance explains that taxpayers can reset their IRIS passwords through the login page’s recovery option. The standard process sends verification codes to the taxpayer’s registered email address and mobile number. Users enter those codes before setting a new password. IRIS also provides a separate account-recovery route for users who cannot access their registered mobile number or email address. That option involves updating a mobile number registered against the taxpayer’s CNIC. These procedures help explain the importance of receiving verification messages. However, the guidance does not independently confirm the chamber’s claim of a universal password change. Portal pressure adds to filing concerns Hanif also reported unusual pressure on IRIS, saying system overload was causing serious difficulties for taxpayers attempting to submit returns. His concerns come amid wider demands for more filing time. Tax associations and business bodies have cited technical glitches, delayed return forms and additional disclosure requirements in seeking an extension. FBR’s published schedule sets September 30 as the normal filing deadline for individuals and associations of persons. Different deadlines apply to some companies. For taxpayers completing returns, FBR’s guidance distinguishes a saved draft from a successful submission. It says the income tax return and wealth statement must move from the Draft folder to Completed Task. KCCI’s appeal seeks urgent restoration of account access as taxpayers approach the deadline, alongside relief from the portal difficulties Hanif described.
NCCIA Raids Two Karachi Call Centres Over Alleged US Credit Card Fraud
The National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency has raided two Karachi call centres over alleged financial scams targeting customers in the United States. The agency said the premises operated under the name Callzen Communications from residential bungalows in PECHS Block 6, near Tariq Road. Its September 27 statement identified the locations as Callzen Communication Centre-1 and Callzen Communication Centre-2, both belonging to the same organisation. Investigators found 73 people working across the two centres, including agents, closers, floor managers, operational heads, IT personnel and management staff. NCCIA alleged that the organisation ran the centres discreetly within residential neighbourhoods, making the scale of its operations difficult to detect. Credit card offers under investigation Initial inquiries linked the centres to allegedly fraudulent offers for new credit cards and low-interest financial services aimed at US-based customers. The agency identified three alleged owners or operators by their first names. It said officers had arrested Kashif, while Faysal and Amir remained absconding. NCCIA registered FIR No. 92/2026 and FIR No. 93/2026 against arrested and absconding suspects in connection with the two cases. The statement did not specify the legal sections invoked, alleged financial losses or the number of affected customers. It also did not clarify the individual legal status of all 73 people found at the premises. The allegations remain under investigation. The supplied statement contained no response from the organisation or the named suspects. Live customer database seized Investigators seized a live, operational Customer Relationship Management system, commonly known as a CRM, during the raids. NCCIA described the specially designed system as a significant discovery. The agency alleged that staff used it to maintain, manage and record detailed information about US customers targeted through the schemes. Investigators have secured the CRM, computers, associated data and other digital evidence for forensic examination. Read More: Australia Finds 100,000 Illegal Cockroaches Worth $140,000 in Shocking Raid The agency expects that analysis to reveal how the organisation selected customers, assigned responsibilities and managed its operations. Investigators will also examine financial channels and possible connections to individuals beyond the two premises. NCCIA said the recovered infrastructure could help establish the alleged network’s hierarchy and methods. However, the agency has yet to announce its forensic findings. Financial and digital inquiries continue The investigation now covers the organisation’s financial, digital and operational activities. NCCIA said it was pursuing further legal action against the absconding suspects and would release updates as examinations progressed. The alleged offers concern a type of fraud that US consumer authorities have previously warned about. In separate general guidance, the US Federal Trade Commission describes scams promising lower credit card interest rates for a fee. Such callers may falsely claim special banking relationships or pressure customers to act quickly. That guidance provides background on the type of offer investigators described. It does not establish what occurred at Callzen Communications, which remains the subject of the ongoing NCCIA investigation.
Pakistan Get Asian Games Semi-Final Ticket After Hong Kong Washout
Pakistan advanced to the Asian Games men’s cricket semi-finals on Monday after persistent rain washed out their quarter-final against Hong Kong, China, in Nisshin, Japan. The match at Korogi Sports Park was abandoned without a toss or a ball being bowled. Pakistan progressed to the last four because of their higher ICC ranking under the tournament playing conditions. The result ended Hong Kong’s campaign without Pakistan having to take the field in their first match of the tournament. Pakistan had earned direct entry into the knockout stage alongside India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka because of their rankings. The Asian Games men’s competition features 10 teams, with the lower-seeded sides competing in two preliminary groups before the quarter-finals. Rain sends Pakistan into last four Hong Kong reached the quarter-finals after finishing second in Group B behind Malaysia. They opened their campaign with an eight-wicket defeat against Malaysia but recovered to beat Oman by 41 runs. Hong Kong posted 121 for eight before restricting Oman to 80 for six. No play possible in the quarter-final due to relentless rain 🌧️Pakistan will now play the #AsianGames semi-final on Thursday 🏏#PakistanCricket | #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/LDKYgMggWW— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) September 28, 2026 Malaysia topped Group B with three points, while Hong Kong finished with two. The Malaysia-Oman group match was abandoned without a ball being bowled because of rain, confirming Malaysia and Hong Kong’s places in the quarter-finals. Wet weather continued to affect the competition on Monday. India’s quarter-final against Afghanistan was also abandoned, allowing the higher-seeded Indian side to advance. Pakistan arrived in Japan after completing their preparations in Karachi. The PCB had scheduled training sessions, a T20 practice match and a centre-wicket scenario session before the team’s departure on September 24. Their training in Nisshin on Sunday was also affected by overnight rain and a wet outfield. Before the quarter-final, captain Sahibzada Farhan stressed that Pakistan needed to remain prepared for changing conditions. “Every match is important for us. We will focus on our first match and take every game seriously,” Farhan said. Pakistan await semi-final opponent Pakistan will now face the winner of the Bangladesh-Malaysia quarter-final, scheduled for Tuesday, September 29. Both semi-finals will take place at Korogi Sports Park on Thursday, October 1. The bronze-medal match and gold-medal final are scheduled for Saturday, October 3. Sahibzada Farhan leads Pakistan’s 15-member squad, with Abdul Samad serving as vice-captain. Mike Hesson is the head coach.
Pakistani Rice Exporters Eye Malaysia Expansion After High-Level Talks
Pakistan and Malaysia have agreed to strengthen cooperation on Pakistani rice exports, halal certification and food security following talks in Kuala Lumpur. Both sides also agreed to establish a formal engagement mechanism, starting with a joint virtual meeting in November 2026. Federal Secretary for National Food Security and Research Amer Ali Ahmed and Commerce Secretary Jawad Paul participated in the meetings. Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Malaysia, Syed Ahsan Raza Shah, joined the discussions with Malaysian officials and rice-sector representatives. The talks covered market access, food quality requirements and technical cooperation across several agricultural sectors. The announcement did not specify additional rice purchase volumes or a new supply contract. Rice exports linked to quality standards The Pakistani delegation met the group chief executive and management team of BERNAS to discuss increasing rice shipments to Malaysia. Pakistan Agricultural Research Council Chairman Dr Syed Murtaza Hassan Andrabi and Department of Plant Protection Director General Yasin Murtaza also attended. Representatives of the Rice Exporters Association of Pakistan and officials from the Pakistan High Commission joined them. The discussions focused on expanding exports while ensuring strict compliance with BERNAS quality standards and requirements. BERNAS serves as Malaysia’s state trading enterprise in the international rice market. Its responsibilities include supporting domestic market stability and national food security, making it a key counterpart for Pakistani exporters. The engagement also reaffirmed Pakistan’s participation in the Malaysia International Halal Showcase, known as MIHAS. Both sides emphasised stronger market linkages, expanded bilateral trade and regional food security. Halal certification framework under review In a separate meeting, Amer Ali Ahmed held talks with Dato’ Dr Sirajuddin bin Suhaimee, director general of JAKIM. Senior Pakistan High Commission officials accompanied him. The discussions covered halal certification standards, supply chains and improved market access for halal-certified agricultural and food products. Officials reviewed progress under the memorandum of understanding between JAKIM and the Pakistan Halal Authority. The authority’s newsletter confirms that the two organisations signed the agreement in October 2025. Both sides discussed turning that framework into closer institutional and technical cooperation. Their priorities included exchanging expertise, strengthening certification mechanisms and facilitating halal trade. The talks build on the two countries’ broader commitment to cooperation in halal products and services. Wider agricultural talks to continue in November Ahmed, Paul and Shah also met Datuk Seri Isham bin Ishak, secretary general of Malaysia’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security. Senior agricultural and technical officials from both countries participated. Their agenda extended beyond rice to meat, poultry, fisheries and aquaculture technologies. Animal vaccines, biosecurity controls and halal gelatin supply also featured in the discussions. Both sides sought opportunities to strengthen institutional links, facilitate agricultural trade and exchange technical knowledge. The planned November virtual meeting will begin the agreed mechanism for continued engagement. That process will carry forward discussions on agricultural partnerships and trade in safe, quality and halal-certified food products.
From Room Changes to Refunds: What’s New in the Pak Hajj App?
Pakistan’s Ministry of Religious Affairs has introduced new Pak Hajj App features that let intending pilgrims manage key arrangements from home. The updates cover package duration, accommodation choices, medical fitness certificates and applications for assistance under the hardship quota. Pilgrims can also request application cancellations and refunds in cases of genuine necessity. The ministry announced the facilities as preparations continue for Hajj 2027, alongside bookings under the private Hajj scheme. The changes bring several administrative services onto the app, reducing the need for office visits, queues and lengthy waits. Pilgrims can change packages and rooms Intending pilgrims can now switch between long and short Hajj packages through the app. The facility works both ways, allowing applicants to shorten or extend their selected package duration. They can also modify accommodation preferences without visiting an office. Available choices include two-bed rooms, three-bed rooms, family rooms and shared accommodation. Successful applicants can use the app to apply for a mahram or helper under the hardship quota. A separate facility allows pilgrims facing unavoidable circumstances to seek cancellation of their Hajj applications and refunds. The ministry said these services aim to make essential arrangements accessible from home, including for applicants who previously needed in-person assistance. Medical certificates require doctor verification The process for obtaining and printing medical fitness certificates through the Pak Hajj App is underway. Pilgrims must print the certificate and have an authorised doctor verify it. They must then upload the verified document through the app or the online Hajj portal. Overseas Pakistanis can obtain a fitness certificate from a doctor near their place of residence and upload it digitally. The online submission facility therefore removes the need to deliver the document to an office. Applicants still need a doctor’s verification before uploading their certificates. The National Information Technology Board developed the Pak Hajj App and Hajj Management Portal in collaboration with the ministry. The platforms also support online registration for applicants in Pakistan and abroad. Private bookings must use official portal Private Hajj bookings continue through the National IT Board’s digital portal. As of September 27, the ministry reported 26,000 completed applications, with around 45,000 seats still available. The ministry has prohibited private Hajj bookings and payments outside the official portal. It has also warned pilgrims against paying individuals or Hajj companies directly. Ministry spokesperson Muhammad Umar Butt earlier announced November 20, 2026, as the deadline for private package selection and payment. The private scheme offers 16 basic packages, ranging from Rs1.4 million to Rs3.75 million. The ministry has separately urged applicants to report operators who refuse bookings despite showing available seats on the portal. Pilgrims can submit such complaints through the app’s “Inquiry” option. The complaint facility accompanies the booking and payment system as authorities seek to improve transparency and protect applicants.
