Sarim Burney smuggled 20 newborns to US in past year: FIA

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) has launched an investigation into alleged human trafficking by renowned philanthropist Sarim Burney. 

The first case, FIR 26/2024, was registered against the Chairman Sarim Burney Trust International, accusing him of trafficking children from Pakistan to the United States (US).

According to FIA officials, the case came to light after a newborn girl named Haya was allegedly smuggled to America. 

Further investigation revealed that over 20 newborn babies, including 15 girls, were trafficked by Burney's welfare organisation in the last year.

The investigation body claimed that Burney's wife, Alia, is also a beneficiary of the trust and may be implicated in the case.

As per FIA, confidential documents showed Alia's involvement in the transfer of children to the US.

The US authorities have also provided records of children transferred to America by Burney to the FIA, and Pakistani officials are working to verify the documents. 

FIA officials, in the FIR, alleged that the humanitarian bought the children from poor families, including Haya, who was purchased for Rs1 million.

The agency claimed that the human rights activist had admitted his crime in his initial statement and that more cases of child trafficking and money laundering may be registered against him.

The philanthropist was recently placed under surveillance by US authorities during a visit to the country and was questioned twice. 

A day earlier, the social activist was arrested by Anti-Human and Trafficking police upon his arrival to the country from the US.