Sara Sharif's Grandfather Granted Custody of Five Siblings in Pakistan Court
A Pakistani court has formally granted permanent guardianship of the five younger siblings of Sara Sharif to their maternal grandfather, Muhammad Sharif. This legal ruling follows the children's residence with Mr Sharif in Jhelum, Punjab province, since their arrival in August 2023. Their father, Urfan Sharif, stepmother Beinash Batool, and uncle Faisal Malik also travelled to Pakistan shortly after 10-year-old Sara was found deceased at her family home in Woking, Surrey.
Surrey Police launched a murder investigation into Sara's death. The three adults were subsequently arrested upon their return to the UK in September 2023 and have since been charged with Sara's murder. They are currently remanded in custody, awaiting trial.
The welfare of the five children has been a focus of international attention since their relocation. The Pakistani court's decision ensures their continued care under their grandfather's guardianship while legal proceedings related to Sara's death continue in the UK. This development underscores the complex cross-border implications of the case, highlighting the operational challenges in asserting jurisdiction and ensuring child protection in such circumstances.
