Couple arrested after newborns trafficking racket exposed at PIMS

A newborns trafficking network was unearthed at Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), where a couple was arrested while attempting to take custody of a baby after allegedly paying money for its provision in Islamabad, reported 24NewsHD TV channel on Monday.

PIMS security staff intercepted and questioned the couple after noticing their suspicious behaviour at the hospital and subsequently submitted a formal complaint to Karachi Company Police.

According to the complaint, an individual had allegedly assured the couple that they would be provided with a newborn in exchange for payment, while the exact amount remained undisclosed. After allegedly making the payment, the couple arrived at PIMS to collect the baby. 

The security staff also provided the police with details of an online payment reportedly made to an individual identified as Muhammad Shahzeb, while the couple had allegedly been communicating on the matter with a man named Muhammad Imran over WhatsApp. 

PIMS security officials requested the police to investigate the mobile phone numbers, financial transactions and contacts linked to the alleged arrangement to determine the identities and roles of other individuals involved.

The complaint further stated that a woman and a girl had previously been intercepted by PIMS security staff in connection with a similar incident.

Security officials urged police to conduct an impartial investigation and trace other members of the suspected organized network allegedly involved in the scheme.

Karachi Company Police have initiated an investigation into the alleged payment and attempted trafficking of the newborn.

Reporter Muhammad Awais