Court Rejects Bail for Sarim Burney in Human Trafficking Case

KARACHI: In a significant development, a local court in Karachi on Tuesday denied the bail petition of Sarim Burney, who is implicated in a human trafficking case.

Burney was arrested on June 5 upon his arrival at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi, following a visit to the United States.

Judicial Magistrate (East) Khaliq ul Zaman dismissed Burney’s bail plea after considering arguments from both Burney’s legal team and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).

During the hearing, the FIA prosecutor informed the court that the investigation is still ongoing, and additional evidence needs to be gathered. The prosecutor also mentioned that further revelations have surfaced during the course of the investigation.

Conversely, Burney’s lawyer contended that the FIA’s inquiry into the matter was flawed and lacked thoroughness.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Sarim Burney, accusing the human rights activist of trafficking newborn babies to the United States.

The FIR alleges that Burney was involved in the trafficking of a newborn girl named Haya, who was reportedly sold by her parents for Rs1 million and subsequently sent to the US. According to the FIA, Haya is the latest among 20 newborns trafficked by Burney over the past year under the guise of adoption, with 15 of these children being girls.

The FIA disclosed that records of the trafficked children were obtained from the Pakistani embassy. Trust documents revealed that Burney’s wife was also listed among the beneficiaries of this illegal operation.

Haya’s parents, who are described as extremely poor, have had their statements recorded by the FIA. The agency also announced plans to file additional cases against Burney related to human trafficking and money laundering.

This case continues to unfold, with the FIA seeking to uncover the full extent of the alleged trafficking ring and bring those responsible to justice.