A Pakistani court has granted ship of Sara Sharif's four surviving siblings to their paternal grandfather, concluding years of legal uncertainty following the 10-year-old's murder in 2023.
The ruling, handed down on Saturday, resolves custody proceedings that began after Sara's father and stepmother fled to Pakistan with the children in the aftermath of her death. During the court hearing, the eldest sibling told the judge they felt settled and comfortable, responding "that's all good" when informed of ship decision.
The grandfather has pledged to preserve the children's British citizenship, ensuring they retain the option to relocate to the United Kingdom if they choose to do so in future. All five siblings, now ranging in age from four to 16 years old, have remained in Pakistan continuously since August 2023.
How the children came to be in Pakistan
Sara's father Urfan Sharif, stepmother Beinash Batool, and uncle Faisal Malik transported the five children to Pakistan immediately after Sara's death in 2023. The family remained in hiding for several weeks before police located them at the grandfather's residence. The children were initially placed into state care following their discovery.
The three adults returned to the United Kingdom and were arrested upon arrival at the airport. Sharif and Batool were convicted of Sara's murder, with Sharif receiving a life sentence carrying a minimum term of 40 years and Batool sentenced to life with a minimum of 33 years. Malik was found guilty of causing or allowing her death and received a 16-year prison sentence.
What happened to Sara Sharif?
Sara endured a sustained "campaign of torture" spanning two years before her death. She was hooded, burned, and beaten by those responsible for her care. Her body was discovered at the family home in Woking, Surrey.
What was the legal process in Pakistan?
The grandfather obtained temporary custody of the siblings in October 2023 while formal ship proceedings continued through Pakistan's court system. Four of the five children are now enrolled in schools in Pakistan, according to statements from their grandfather.
In England, the children were made wards of court, and Surrey County Council pursued an application through Pakistani courts to bring them back to the United Kingdom. However, Surrey withdrew from the case in June, stating it lacked the capacity to continue proceedings in Pakistan as English legal proceedings were concluding.
Key Facts
- Sara Sharif was killed in 2023 at age 10 by her father and stepmother
- Her four siblings have lived in Pakistan since August 2023 under their grandfather's care
- The grandfather's ship was formally granted by a Pakistani court on Saturday
- All five children retain British citizenship and may return to the UK in future
- Sara's father and stepmother are serving life sentences; her uncle received 16 years
