KARACHI — The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has arrested Mubina Qasim, chairperson of a private NGO named Hope, over allegations of trafficking orphaned children overseas under the guise of adoption.
Her arrest follows the rejection of her pre-arrest bail and stems from a formal complaint by the US Consulate General in Karachi, which raised red flags over suspicious adoptions linked to the organization. The complaint triggered a full-scale FIA investigation.
Fake Adoptions, Real Children
According to the FIR, Hope facilitated the illegal transfer of at least 23 orphaned children between 2006 and 2015 to families in the US, UK, Canada, UAE, and Karachi. Though posing as a welfare group, Hope was neither registered with the Sindh Social Welfare Department nor licensed to operate a shelter — casting serious doubts on its legitimacy.
FIA officials revealed that forged documents — including fake guardianship papers and fabricated medical records — were used to secure US visas for the children.
Abandoned, Then Smuggled
Many of the children were reportedly found abandoned near hospitals and later handed over to adoptive families through the NGO’s internal network, bypassing all legal procedures.
Neglect Behind Closed Doors
The FIR further claims the children under Hope’s care were kept in poor conditions, often fed leftover or second-hand food, and denied proper shelter and basic care.
More Arrests Likely
Now in custody, Mubina Qasim is being interrogated as the FIA expands its investigation. Authorities believe more people may be involved in the trafficking network and additional arrests are expected in the coming days.
