Sarim Burney, a well-known social activist, has been remanded to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) for two days by the local court of Karachi.
Burney is facing allegations of illegally sending children abroad and human smuggling. He appeared in the court of Judicial Magistrate East in City Court Karachi on Thursday.
The investigating officer (IO) requested Burney's remand to record his statement, asserting the need for further investigation. However, Burney's lawyer argued that the IO lacked evidence to support the allegations and maintained that Burney's contributions to society have been commendable.
"Sarim Burney has been arrested on false and baseless charges," stated Burney's lawyer, emphasizing his client's dedication to social work and his inability to engage in any wrongdoing. "He was arrested on false and baseless charges."
In his defense, Sarim Burney informed the court that the child in question was handed over to a couple for a better future and that all necessary information had been provided to the American embassy. Burney also expressed his willingness to cooperate fully with the investigation.
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He asked if all such children should be left alone to suffer, because their parents abandoned them. "A pre-planned podcast was recorded against me," he claimed. "I am also cooperating in the investigation," Burney told the court, denying any malicious intent behind his actions.
During the hearing, the court questioned the IO about the alleged illegal transport of children and whether these children had been abused. The IO requested custody of Burney, citing concerns over potential evidence loss if Burney was not detained.
In light of the arguments, the court denied Burney's request to be discharged from the case and ordered a two-day physical remand to the FIA. The court instructed the IO to present a progress report at the next hearing.
On June 5, Sarim Burney was detained upon his arrival at Karachi airport from the United States. The detention came amidst serious accusations of human trafficking levelled against him by the US government.
According to sources, Burney was apprehended by the Anti-Human Trafficking Police upon his arrival in Pakistan on the complaint of the US government. It is alleged that Burney and his trust had children adopted in the US without fulfilling the necessary legal requirements, leading to accusations of human trafficking against him.
