A court in Pakistan has granted guardianship of Sara Sharif’s five siblings to her paternal grandfather, Muhammed Sharif. Source: bbc.co.uk.
What Happened
The decision follows years of legal uncertainty after Sara Sharif was murdered in 2023 at her family home in Woking, Surrey.
Her father, Urfan Sharif, and stepmother, Beinash Batool, were found guilty of her death. They were sentenced to minimum terms of 40 and 33 years in prison respectively.
Urfan Sharif’s uncle, Faisal Malik, was also found guilty of causing or allowing her death and received a 16-year sentence.
Key Facts
- All five children have lived with Muhammed Sharif in Pakistan since August 2023.
- The children were initially placed in state childcare after being discovered at the grandfather’s home.
- Only the youngest child is not yet attending school; all others are enrolled.
- The grandfather was granted temporary custody in October 2023. A final decision was made in Pakistan’s courts on 10 October 2026.
- The children will retain their British passports and may return to the UK when they reach a suitable age.
- Surrey County Council withdrew from pursuing the case in Pakistan, saying it had no ability to proceed.
Background
The family had been in hiding for weeks after Sara’s murder. Police discovered the children at Muhammed Sharif’s home in Jhelum, Pakistan.
At the time, the adults had fled to Pakistan and were later arrested at the UK airport.
The children were made wards of court in England. Their legal return to the UK was stalled due to the complexity of cross-border custody proceedings.
Grandfather’s Statement
Muhammed Sharif said he was relieved to finally have legal authority over his grandchildren.
“It is my responsibility to ensure they get the best possible education and care,” he said.
He added that he speaks to his son Urfan only to check on each other’s well-being, not about the case or the children.
Why It Matters
This case highlights the challenges of cross-border child custody in international legal systems.
It also underscores how trauma and family violence can lead to prolonged displacement and legal limbo for children.
For the siblings, staying with their grandfather offers stability and continuity after a traumatic event.
What to Watch Next
There is no immediate plan for the children to return to the UK. Their future will depend on their development and legal status.
Public attention may grow if the children’s education or welfare is later reviewed by UK authorities.
Updates on the case may come through official court records or statements from the family or legal representatives.
Source: BBC News, 10 October 2026
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