Sarim Burney’s sixth bail plea rejected in child trafficking case

A federal anti-corruption court in Karachi has rejected the sixth bail application of social worker Sarim Burney in a case relating to alleged child trafficking.

Mr Burney was taken into custody by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) last year upon his arrival at Karachi airport, following a complaint by US authorities accusing him of involvement in “child trafficking through illegal adoption.”

The latest plea was moved after the Sindh High Court had already upheld earlier orders of the trial court and the sessions court, which had turned down his bail requests.

Also Read: Sarim Burney smuggled a newborn girl to USA for $3,000: FIA

His lawyer argued that the new application was filed on statutory grounds under Section 497(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, which were not available when the previous petitions were decided.

The defence maintained that Mr Burney has been in custody since June 2024, yet charges have not been framed, and despite the lapse of over a year, the prosecution has failed to advance the trial. It was contended that the applicant could not be left to remain incarcerated indefinitely.

After hearing both sides, however, the judge dismissed the plea.