The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) filed a First Information Report (FIR) against rights activist Sarim Burney on Wednesday for allegedly trafficking newborn babies to the United States.
According to the FIR, in one specific case, a baby girl named Haya was reportedly purchased from her parents for Rs1 million and subsequently sent to the US.
Sarim Burney, who was arrested at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport, is said to have trafficked 20 newborns in the past year, presenting the transactions as adoptions.
Burney is set to face court for a remand hearing. Notably, US investigative agencies are also involved in this case.
The FIA disclosed that documentation from the Pakistan embassy helped identify the trafficked children. The agency mentioned that Burney’s wife might also be implicated as investigations progress.
Sources report that several accomplices helped Burney in these illegal activities. They allegedly facilitated the buying and smuggling of the children.
The parents of Haya, described by the FIA as extremely poor, have given their statements. The FIA plans to pursue further charges related to human trafficking and money laundering against Burney.
During a recent visit to the US, Burney was under American surveillance and faced interrogation. Following his arrest, he confessed to his role in these activities.
Sarim Burney is known for founding and chairing the Sarim Burney Welfare Trust, which assists impoverished and victimized individuals.
This arrest is part of the FIA’s broader crackdown on human trafficking in Pakistan. The FIA recently detained nine individuals, including a senior government officer, in a related operation for related crimes in Karachi.
 has lodged an FIR against Sarim Burney, a renowned rights activist, for allegedly trafficking newborn babies to the United States. Details emerge as the case unfolds){kind=link}