KARACHI: In response to allegations that well-known rights activist Sarim Burney was involved in people smuggling, a local court on Thursday approved a two-day physical remand of Burney to the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA).
Burney was brought before Judicial Magistrate Khaleequ Zaman by Investigation Officer Chaudhry Bilal, one day following his apprehension on allegations of human trafficking. He asked the judge to impose a 14-day physical remand on the social worker, keeping her under police custody.
According to the IO, Burney had to be in prison in order to take down his statement, get the appropriate documentation, and apprehend his co-accused. Furthermore, he insisted that if the FIA was not granted custody, there was a chance that the evidence would be lost.
Following hearing the arguments, the court placed the accused under a two-day remand with instructions to be monitored by the FIA.
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Burney’s request to be released from the case was denied by the court in the interim.
The social worker’s attorney asked the court to release his client during today’s case hearing because there was no case in relation to the matter.
Burney’s attorneys argued that his detention was unjustified and that Burney had provided exceptional services to society.
“Sarim has won accolades for her work in social services. “He can’t fathom doing anything improper,” his attorney stated.
Burney, who oversees the non-profit Sarim Burney Welfare Trust International, was arrested on Wednesday upon his arrival at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport after his tour to the US.
