The City Court Karachi (East) has rejected the bail application of social activist Sarim Burney, who is charged with illegally sending children abroad and forging documents.
In a reserved verdict delivered by the judicial magistrate (east), the court emphasized the need for further evidence collection, aligning with the argument presented by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) prosecutor. The prosecutor contended that granting bail to Burney could potentially jeopardize the integrity of the evidence.
"The suspect, if granted bail, might tamper with the evidence," the FIA prosecutor asserted during the proceedings.
The court had earlier reserved its decision following the completion of arguments from both Burney's defense and the FIA's legal team in the case of sending children abroad illegally and forging documents. The defense argued for bail on the grounds of insufficient evidence, while the FIA insisted on the necessity of keeping Burney in custody to ensure a thorough investigation.
Also Read: Human trafficking case: Sarim Burney sent to jail on judicial remand
Sarim Burney, a prominent social worker, faces serious charges related to the illegal trafficking of children and document forgery. The allegations have raised significant concern and scrutiny within the community.
On June 8, the judicial magistrate (East) of Karachi's city court rejected the investigating officer's request to extend the remand of social activist Sarim Burney and instead ordered that he be sent to jail on judicial remand.
During the hearing of the high-profile human trafficking, fraud, and cheating case against Burney, the court sent the activist to jail on judicial remand and said his bail application will be heard on June 10. Burney's lawyer argued that the family of the girl concerned, Haya, has been contacted, who claimed to have said they gave away the girl themselves.
Also Read: Activist Sarim Burney arrested on human trafficking charges
The FIA produced Burney in court and requested for his further physical remand.
On June 5, Burney was detained upon his arrival at Karachi Airport from the United States, sources confirmed. 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.
The sources said that upon his detention, Burney was transferred to an undisclosed location by the authorities. An investigation into the matter was initiated by the FIA.
