In a notable human trafficking case, social activist Sarim Burney has been placed on judicial remand by Karachi’s city court after the judicial magistrate (East) denied the investigating officer’s request to extend his physical remand.
The court session addressed allegations of human trafficking, fraud, and deception against Burney. It decided to send him to jail and scheduled his bail application hearing for June 10. Burney’s lawyer argued that the family of the girl, Haya, claimed she was given away voluntarily.
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The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) presented Burney in court, requesting an extension of his physical remand. Burney insisted he had evidence on his phone and would provide answers upon returning from abroad.
The court noted a bail application for Burney and instructed the investigating officer to record his statement in the presence of his lawyers. The judge ordered this to be done immediately in the judge’s chamber, temporarily adjourning the hearing.
Burney’s lawyer expressed concerns about potential mistreatment if the remand was extended. The court questioned Burney about allegedly making false statements regarding the girl’s parents being alive, to which he responded that he was unaware.
The FIA’s case involves allegations that Haya’s mother sold her to a woman who then sold her to another woman. The Sarim Burney Trust allegedly declared the girl an orphan in family court, and Burney had not been cooperating with the investigation.
Burney urged the public not to spread unverified news, criticizing the FIA for unclear communication. He maintained that any mistakes were not his and emphasized that human error is not a crime.
The court ordered Burney to be presented again after completing his physical remand and asked the FIA to submit a progress report. The judicial magistrate stressed the need for transparency and due process.
