KARACHI: A judicial magistrate allowed a federal agency to search the office of Sarim Burney Welfare Trust International in a case pertaining to “child trafficking by way of illegal adoption”.

Social worker Mr Burney appeared before the court via video link from the central prison.

During the hearing on Thursday, the investigating officer (IO) of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Bilal Ahmed, requested additional time to complete the probe in the ‘child trafficking case’.

He submitted two applications before Judicial Magistrate (East) Yusra Ashfaq, seeking the issuance of a search warrant and permission to record statements from trustees and a prosecution witness.

In his applications, the IO stated that the trust had not provided the remaining records.

“It is earnestly prayed before the court that a search warrant may kindly be issued for procuring the remaining requisite from M/s Sarim Burney Welfare Trust International Karachi and its offices/ shelter homes,” the application said.

The IO also informed the court that he needed to record statements from trustees Advocate Ejaz Khattak and Advocate Qadir Hussain and from a parent of an allegedly trafficked girl.

After hearing the IO and Mr Burney’s counsel, the court allowed both FIA applications, directing the IO to record the remaining statements and granting permission to search the trust’s offices.

In its order, the court said: “The IO is directed to ensure the proceeding of search and seizure as per law and protocols, and submit the report within 48 hours.” Meanwhile, the court adjourned the hearing until July 25.

A case was registered against Mr Burney and others under sections 420 (cheating and dishonestly, inducing delivery of property), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating), 471 (using as genuine a forged document), 109 (abetment) of the Pakistan Penal Code read with sections 3 (trafficking in persons), 4 (aggravating circumstances) and 5 (abetment and criminal conspiracy) of the Prevention of Trafficking in Persons Act, 2018.

Published in Dawn, July 12th, 2024