Sarim Burney, a human and civill rights activist, was recently arrested by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Karachi on charges related to human trafficking.
The development was in contrast to the reputation maintained by the prominent philanthropist who has an extensive history of advocating for marginalised communities through the Sarim Burney Welfare Trust International, which he founded in 1990.
Over the years, the Trust has been at the forefront of addressing critical issues such as human trafficking while simultaneously championing the rights of women and children, providing disaster relief, and offering legal aid.
Burney's work has been particularly notable in rescuing child camel jockeys and establishing a database to document human rights violations.
His Trust has not limited itself to awareness campaigns but has extended tangible support, including financial assistance for the disabled and programs aimed at facilitating social integration.
At the heart of the trust's mission lies its commitment to combating the exploitation of vulnerable groups, especially children employed as camel jockeys.
Through providing shelter and support, the trust has played a significant role in assisting victims of such exploitation. Additionally, its global advocacy efforts have focused on defending the rights of prisoners, particularly those who are wrongfully accused and lack legal representation.
Read FIA arrests human rights activist Sarim Burney from Karachi
Furthermore, initiatives such as providing special cycles and mobile public call offices underscore the trust's commitment to ensuring equal opportunities for all individuals, including those with disabilities.
He is the brother of Ansar Burney - another prominent philanthropist who also served as Pakistan's Federal Minister for human rights in Pakistan’s cabinet between 2007 and 2008.
Burney Brothers' public feud
Earlier in 2012, a Hindu boy's on air conversion to Islam had split the Burney brothers, with one defending the act and the other calling it a 'drama'.
The Hindu boy, Sunil, had been working at the Ansar Burney Trust, a human rights organization.
Ansar had skewered the conversion, calling it a 'drama', and had announced that he would sue the host, Khan. He had publicly lashed out at his younger brother Sarim on Twitter, stating that he had dismissed Sarim three months ago from the trust on corruption charges.
Read more: Maya Khan show: Burney brothers split over Hindu boy’s televised conversion
“If we [want] to save our country, we shall have to fight against corruption, and I started it from my own office in Karachi,” Ansar had tweeted about his brother Sarim. Talking to the Indian media, Ansar had said that “[Sunil] was offered incentives, and though keen, he had no idea as to what was happening.”
Sarim was the vice-chairman at the Ansar Burney Trust at the time, which was started in 1980 as the Prisoners Aid Society. He dismissed the corruption allegations, saying that Ansar had always handled the funds and the accounts. “Ansar should know about corruption as he was directly involved with the monetary affairs of the organization,” Sarim told The Express Tribune.
He added that he formed his own trust, Sarim Burney Welfare Trust after parting way with his brother. “This did not please Ansar as he always wants to be in the limelight,” Sarim had said.
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