Activist Sarim Burney Denied Bail in Child Trafficking Case

The City Court Karachi (East) has denied the bail application of social activist Sarim Burney, who faces charges of illegally sending children abroad and forging documents.
In a reserved verdict delivered by the judicial magistrate (east), the court stressed the need for additional evidence collection, supporting the argument made by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) prosecutor. The prosecutor argued that granting bail to Burney could compromise the integrity of the evidence. “The suspect, if granted bail, might tamper with the evidence,” the FIA prosecutor asserted during the proceedings.
The court had previously reserved its decision after hearing arguments from both Burney’s defense and the FIA’s legal team. Burney’s defense argued for bail due to insufficient evidence, while the FIA maintained that Burney needed to remain in custody to ensure a thorough investigation. Burney, a well-known social worker, faces serious allegations related to the illegal trafficking of children and document forgery. These accusations have generated significant concern and scrutiny within the community.
On June 8, the judicial magistrate (East) of Karachi’s city court rejected the investigating officer’s request to extend Burney’s remand and instead ordered that he be sent to jail on judicial remand. During the hearing, the court stated that his bail application would be heard on June 10. Burney’s lawyer contended that the family of the girl in question, Haya, had been contacted and claimed they willingly gave away the girl. The FIA produced Burney in court and requested further physical remand.
On June 5, Burney was detained upon his arrival at Karachi Airport from the United States, according to sources. The detention followed serious accusations of human trafficking leveled against him by the US government. Sources indicate that Burney was apprehended by the Anti-Human Trafficking Police based on a complaint from the US government. It is alleged that Burney and his trust facilitated the adoption of children in the US without adhering to necessary legal requirements, leading to accusations of human trafficking against him.
Following his detention, Burney was transferred to an undisclosed location by authorities, and the FIA initiated an investigation into the matter.