KARACHI: A shocking case of human trafficking has emerged in Karachi, where a newborn baby was allegedly sold by hospital staff to settle delivery expenses. Police have registered an FIR under serious criminal charges and successfully recovered the baby after swift action.
According to the First Information Report (FIR No. 341/2025) lodged at the Memon Goth Police Station, the incident occurred at a private clinic located in Memon Goth, Malir. The complaint was filed by Muhammad Shafiq, a resident of the area, who reported that his newborn child had been taken away under the pretext of unpaid hospital bills.
The FIR states that the accused Dr. Zehra, who performed the delivery, and Shama Baloch, a hospital employee, allegedly took the newborn and later sold the child in Punjab. Police investigations revealed that Shama Baloch, who worked at the same facility, was directly involved in the transaction.
Following the complaint, the police immediately launched a raid and recovered the newborn baby, who has since been handed back to the parents. The private clinic where the incident took place has been sealed, and further inquiries are underway.
The case has been registered under Sections 363 (Kidnapping), 371-A (Selling minor for purposes of prostitution or unlawful gain), 371-B (Buying minor for purposes of prostitution or unlawful gain), and 34 (Common intention) of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC).
According to SSP Malir Abdul Khaliq Pirzada, raids were carried out to arrest both accused persons, Dr. Zehra and Shama Baloch, but they are currently absconding. The SSP confirmed that the Anti-Violent Crime Cell (AVCC) has been tasked to investigate the matter further.
The FIR, registered by ASI Ejaz Ahmed, notes that the police acted upon intelligence and coordinated with AVCC officials to trace the suspects. The document also confirms that the baby’s illegal sale was motivated by the parents’ inability to pay delivery expenses.
Authorities have vowed to take strict legal action against all those involved, describing the incident as an “inhuman and criminal act” that violates both ethical and medical codes of conduct.
Police say that further arrests are expected soon, and the investigation is being expanded to determine whether the hospital management or other staff were complicit in the illegal sale.
