Police in Pakistan’s Karachi arrest couple for attempting to sell newborn baby girl

Police in Pakistan’s megacity Karachi have recovered a seven-day-old baby girl and arrested a couple on suspicion of trafficking the newborn.

Authorities reported that the couple, originally from Thatta, allegedly purchased the infant for PKR 250,000 from a lady health worker and planned to sell her for PKR 800,000.

Police are investigating the circumstances of the sale and suspect that the parents of the baby may have sold her directly, as no missing report was filed in Thatta.

Pending further investigation, the child has been placed in the care of Edhi Foundation — Pakistan's leading social welfare organization— while authorities work to identify her parents.

The arrested couple, whose names have not been disclosed, are reportedly involved in a similar incident in 2019.

Police sources revealed that in that case, the couple purchased a baby boy for PKR 250,000 and later resold him. However, due to the boy’s current status—he is now around four to five years old and living with a family—the authorities have decided not to take action on that case.