Human trafficking case: Sarim Burney sent to prison on remand

A local court on Saturday sent social worker Sarim Burney to prison on remand in a human trafficking case.

Burney was arrested on June 5 after landing at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi following his visit to the United States.

He appeared before FIA ​​Judicial Magistrate Khaleequ Zaman today, where the investigating agency sought an extension of the social activist's remand.

During today's hearing, the FIA ​​lawyer argued that Burney had declared the little girl an orphan in family court.

The accused is not cooperating with the investigation and not answering questions properly, the lawyer told the court.

“There are more than 20 victims to be identified and the defendants are not cooperating,” the lawyer said.

After hearing the arguments, the court rejected the FIA's application and sent Burney to prison on remand.

FIR TREE

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has registered the first information report (FIR) against rights activist Sarim Burney for allegedly smuggling newborn babies to the United States (US).

In the FIR, the investigating agency arrested the rights activist for “trafficking” a newborn baby – identified as Haya – to the US. Haya, who according to the FIA ​​was the last girl trafficked to the US, was allegedly bought from her parents for Rs 1 million.

Sarim Burney trafficked 20 newborns to the United States over the past year under the guise of adoption. The FIA ​​said 15 of the trafficked children were girls.

The FIA, in a statement, said the records of the allegedly trafficked children were provided by the Pakistan Embassy. Citing Trust documents, the agency said Burney's wife was also among the beneficiaries.

According to the FIA, Haya's parents are extremely poor and their statements have been recorded. Other cases related to human trafficking and money laundering will be registered against Burney, the agency said.