The judge in Karachi’s city court denied the investigating officer’s request to extend the remand of social activist Sarim Burney. Instead, the court ordered Sarim to be sent to jail on judicial remand.
During the hearing of the high-profile case involving allegations of human trafficking, fraud, and cheating against Sarim, the court sent him to jail and scheduled his bail application for June 10.
Burney’s lawyer mentioned that the family of the girl involved, Haya, claimed they had given her away themselves.
The FIA took Sarim to court and asked to keep him in custody longer. Sarim said, “I have proof on my phone,” and explained he was out of the country, promising to explain when he returned.
The court saw a request for Sarim to be released from jail. It told the officer to write down what Sarim said with lawyers there.
The judge said Sarim’s words should be written down now in the judge’s office and paused the talking for a bit.
Burney’s lawyer said he was worried that Burney might be treated badly if he stayed in custody longer.
The court asked Burney why he said things that were not true, even though he knew the girl’s real parents were alive. Burney answered, “I didn’t know her real parents were alive.”
The FIA talked about a bad situation where people tricked others and did wrong things. Afsheen, who is Haya’s mom, sold Haya to Madiha, who then sold Haya to Bushra.
The FIA’s lawyer said a group called the Sarim Burney Trust said Haya didn’t have parents anymore, but Sarim didn’t help them.
In media comments, Sarim Burney asked people not to spread unverified news. He criticized the FIA for not clarifying its stance and said, “Even if there is a mistake, it’s not mine.” Sarim remarked, “I don’t believe there was any mistake in the paperwork. Human error is not a crime.”
The court ordered Sarim to be presented again after his physical remand. The FIA must submit an investigation progress report.
The judicial magistrate emphasized transparency and due process during the case.
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