Witnesses testify* in child trafficking case

KARACHI:

Three witnesses on Saturday recorded their testimonies before the judicial magistrate for District East in the case against rights activist and philanthropist Sarim Burney for alleged child trafficking. Defence lawyer Amir Qureshi, however, did not cross-examine the witnesses' statements during the proceedings.

Sarim, who runs Sarim Burney Welfare Trust International, has been accused of smuggling a newborn baby girl named Haya to the United States. It has surfaced that he had smuggled over 20 newborns in the past year under the guise of adopting them. Afsheen, mother of Haya, along with Bushra and Ayaz, appeared before the judge to record their statements. The witnesses testified in the presence of Burney, who is accused of document tampering and involvement in human trafficking.

According to FIA sources, Bushra and Ayaz had contacted Dr Madiha regarding the adoption of the girl. Defence lawyer clarified that no cross-examination was conducted on the witnesses' statements during Saturday's hearing and that it would take place at a later stage in the trial.