On Saturday, a local court denied the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) request to extend Sarim Burney’s physical remand, instead send to jail for judicial remand.
The Judicial Magistrate (East) Khaliq ul Zaman also scheduled Burney’s bail petition hearing for Monday, June 10.
Burney, who had just completed a two-day physical remand, was produced in court today. He maintained his innocence while speaking to journalists, stating, “I do not believe there is any mistake in the papers. I am running the system and suffering as a punishment.” He also expressed concern that the FIA was unclear about the allegations.
Burney, who heads the non-profit Sarim Burney Welfare Trust International, was arrested on June 5 at Jinnah International Airport in Karachi upon his return from the US. The FIA has charged him with human trafficking, smuggling, and illegally sending children to the US following a complaint by American authorities.
The case centres around a newborn girl, Haya, whom Burney is accused of smuggling into the US. According to FIA, Burney purchased the baby from her impoverished parents for Rs1 million and sent her to America. The FIA noted that several individuals assisted Burney in this transaction.
During today’s court session, the FIA lawyer presented details of the case, stating that Haya’s mother, Afsheen, sold her to a woman named Madiha, who then sold her to another woman, Bushra. The lawyer claimed that Burney falsely declared the baby girl an orphan in family court and is not cooperating with the investigation. He emphasized the need to identify over 20 other victims and requested a further week’s remand.
The court inquired about evidence of payments made for the adoption, to which the FIA counsel replied that the adopting party paid $3,000, and records from US authorities have been requested. The council also urged for an in-camera hearing due to the involvement of minors and an organized group in the case.
Burney’s lawyer, Amir Nawaz Waraich, countered that Haya’s family willingly gave up their daughter, accusing the FIA of blackmailing the baby’s mother during its two-and-a-half-month investigation. For his part, Burney claimed to have evidence on his mobile phone and stated he would respond upon returning from abroad.
When questioned by the judge about his misleading statements, given the real parents were alive, Burney replied he was unaware of their status. The judge then instructed the FIA’s investigating officer to record Burney’s statement, highlighting the complexities of the case.
