US Embassy alerted FIA to Sarim Burney Trust’s alleged involvement in child trafficking

ISLAMABAD: The United States Embassy in Pakistan alerted its immigration wing to child trafficking allegedly carried out by Sarim Burney Welfare Trust International.

This startling revelation was disclosed by the Federal Investigation (FIA) per reports from local media. The agency is currently investigating the non-profit over its allegedly involvement in human trafficking.

FIA had previously arrested Sarim Burney following following a complaint from the US Consulate General in Karachi. The non-profit had been probed by the embassy’s immigration wing during their separate visits in July and November 2023.

Their findings concluded the non-profit had allegedly falsified guardianship documents for two children namely Zehra and Sarah. The forged papers further alleged that the two children had been trafficked for money.

Sarim Burney Welfare Trust International has denied its involvement in human trafficking.

An FIT report on human trafficking submitted to the US Department of State noted a stark increase in human trafficking in Pakistan. The report revealed 22,597 trafficking victims were reported to various government and non-government organizations during the past one year.