The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) apprehended Sarim Burney, a well-known human rights activist and philanthropist, upon his return to Karachi from abroad.
He faces accusations of being involved in “child trafficking through illegal adoption,” based on a complaint from US authorities.
According to FIA officials, a case was registered against Mr. Burney under various sections of the Pakistan Penal Code and the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2018. The FIR alleges that Burney and his associates provided false information and fraudulent documents to the Family Courts District East Karachi for the illegal adoption of three baby girls.
Contrary to their claims of the girls being orphans found outside the Sarim Burney Trust, investigations suggest otherwise. The US Consulate General’s complaint highlighted concerns over the adoption process, stating that it was conducted illegally without proper declaration of the children as abandoned.
While the adoption of three children has been brought to light, further investigations into the matter are underway.