The siblings of Sara Sharif, who was tragically murdered, will remain in Pakistan as the UK council’s efforts to assist them have been exhausted. Sara, a 10-year-old girl, was killed by her father, Urfan Sharif, and stepmother, Beinash Batool, following a history of horrendous abuse. Her body was found in a bunk bed at their home in Woking, Surrey, on August 10, 2023, a day after the perpetrators fled to Pakistan with Sara’s five siblings.
Sharif and Batool were sentenced to life in prison in December 2024 for Sara’s murder, with minimum terms of 40 years and 33 years, respectively. Additionally, Sara’s uncle, Faisal Malik, who was present in the house during the incident, was jailed for 16 years for his involvement.
The identities of Sara’s siblings, protected by a court order, were initially under the care of their paternal grandfather. However, they were later placed in state custody after being located by Pakistani authorities during the search for Sharif, Batool, and Malik. Upon the return of the adults to the UK in September 2023, a High Court judge in London declared the children as wards of court, necessitating their return to the UK.
Surrey County Council subsequently sought permission from the High Court in Lahore, Pakistan, to start the repatriation process. In December 2025, the English High Court issued an order stipulating that the proceedings would be dismissed within six months if no extension application was filed or no progress made in Pakistan, as reported by the BBC.
The recent conclusion of the order means that Surrey County Council is now obliged to withdraw from the proceedings, as they lack the means to continue pursuing the children’s return to the UK. Despite the legal complexities, the council affirmed its commitment to supporting Sara’s siblings and half-siblings in Pakistan.
Muhammad Sharif, Sara’s paternal grandfather, expressed his determination to retain custody of the children in an interview in late 2024. He emphasized the children’s safety and education, asserting that he is their guardian and the best caretaker for them, vowing to prevail in the custody battle.
