KARACHI: Judicial Magistrate City Court East has rejected Sarim Burney’s bail request in high-profile case involving child trafficking and forgery.

Judicial Magistrate Yusra Ashfaq announced decision, dismissing Burney’s application in connection with case.  Burney, who was arrested in June on charges of human trafficking, remains in judicial custody. He is accused of illegally sending over 25 children to United States, allegedly arranging illegal adoptions through his trust.  According to Federal Investigation Agency, Burney and his trust facilitated these illegal adoptions, falsely presenting that children were handed over to Sarim Burney Trust in Karachi. This is not first time Burney’s bail application has been denied, as similar request was rejected earlier. Court reserved its decision on latest bail plea yesterday before delivering verdict today.  Previously, FIA submitted an interim challan, which reveals that Sarim Burney Welfare Trust International is not registered under Sindh Child Protection Authority.  On June 6, team of Federal Investigation Agency’s Anti-Human Trafficking Circle arrested renowned philanthropist and human rights activist Sarim Burney at international arrival lounge of Karachi Airport on his return from US. Burney remains in jail on judicial remand as investigation into alleged trafficking continued.