Sarim Burney, a well-known human and civil rights activist, was recently arrested by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Karachi on charges related to human trafficking. This surprising development has cast a shadow over the reputation of the prominent philanthropist, who has long been celebrated for his extensive efforts to aid marginalized communities.
Burney, the founder of the Sarim Burney Welfare Trust International in 1990, has been at the forefront of addressing critical issues such as human trafficking, advocating for women’s and children’s rights, providing disaster relief, and offering legal aid. His Trust is particularly notable for rescuing child camel jockeys and creating a database to document human rights violations.
The Trust’s work extends beyond awareness campaigns, offering tangible support such as financial assistance for the disabled and programs to facilitate social integration. A key part of its mission is combating the exploitation of vulnerable groups, especially children employed as camel jockeys. Through shelter and support, the Trust has significantly aided victims of such exploitation. Additionally, it has focused on defending the rights of prisoners, particularly those wrongfully accused and lacking legal representation.
Sarim Burney’s initiatives, such as providing special cycles and mobile public call offices, underscore his commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all, including those with disabilities.
This arrest is particularly striking given Burney’s familial connections. He is the brother of Ansar Burney, another renowned philanthropist who served as Pakistan’s Federal Minister for Human Rights from 2007 to 2008. The Burney brothers have had a public feud in the past, notably in 2012, over the on-air conversion of a Hindu boy to Islam, which split their opinions and led to a public falling out.
Ansar Burney had criticized the conversion as a ‘drama’ and accused his brother Sarim of corruption, which Sarim denied. This feud culminated in Sarim establishing his own welfare trust after parting ways with Ansar, who had founded the Prisoners Aid Society in 1980, later known as the Ansar Burney Trust.
Sarim Burney’s arrest on such serious charges has left many in shock, considering his extensive history of philanthropy and advocacy. The legal proceedings that follow will be closely watched by those who have followed his work and the broader human rights community.
