FIA arrests Sarim Burney over human trafficking allegations

KARACHI: The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested human rights activist Sarim Burney from Karachi on allegations of human trafficking in the United States, Geo News reported Wednesday.

The agency took Burney into custody after he landed in Karachi from the United States, noting that he was arrested following a complaint from the U.S. government.

According to sources within the FIA, the human rights activist is accused of trafficking more than 25 children to the United States and having these children illegally adopted in the country.

The FIA ​​sources said allegations of smuggling of 17 children to the United States have come to light, adding that an investigation into the matter has been initiated.

The activist runs the Sarim Burney Welfare Trust International, a nonprofit trust “representing the oppressed and less privileged population,” according to the organization's website.

According to the website, the trust strives to achieve social justice, for which the organization has established a legal aid committee composed of local and foreign professional lawyers.

It also states that the trust provides “legal services in cases of child abuse, harassment, sexual assault, human trafficking, domestic violence, human rights violations, right to compensation for work-related injuries and other serious crimes.”