KARACHI: A local Karachi court on Saturday declined the Federal Investigation Agency’s (FIA) plea for an extended physical remand of Sarim Burney, a renowned social worker and philanthropist. Burney, facing human smuggling charges, has instead been sent to jail on a two-day judicial remand.
Burney’s bail hearing is scheduled for June 10. Initially, the court had allowed a two-day physical remand to the FIA last Thursday. At the latest hearing, Investigation Officer Chaudhry Bilal sought a 14-day extension of the remand, which the court denied.
During the proceedings, Burney’s lawyer contended that the charges against his client were fabricated and requested dismissal of the case. However, the court rejected this plea, permitting only a brief continuation of his custody under the FIA.
According to the FIA’s FIR, Burney is accused of trafficking newborns to the United States. He was arrested at Karachi’s Jinnah International Airport earlier this week.
