Sara Sharif: Siblings to Stay in Pakistan as UK Case Ends

The siblings of Sara Sharif, the 10-year-old who was murdered by her father and stepmother, will continue to live in Pakistan. Surrey County Council has announced its withdrawal from the legal case aimed at returning the five children to the UK.

The children have resided with their paternal grandfather in Jhelum, Pakistan, since October 2023. Their future custody and country of residence have been subject to protracted legal battles in Pakistan over the past two-and-a-half years.

Surrey County Council stated that it is unable to continue pursuing the application in Pakistan due to the conclusion of English proceedings. The council had previously been attempting to secure the children's return through Pakistani courts, with the children having been made wards of court in England.

While a final decision on custody remains pending, the current options indicate the children will remain in Pakistan. The grandfather's lawyer noted that the children retain joint nationality and could choose to return to the UK in the future.

Sara Sharif's body was discovered in Woking on August 10, 2023. Her father, Urfan Sharif, and stepmother, Beinash Batool, along with her uncle, Faisal Malik, had fled to Pakistan with the five children. Following their return to the UK on September 13, 2023, the adults were arrested. Urfan Sharif and Beinash Batool received life sentences for murder, while Faisal Malik was sentenced to 16 years for causing or allowing her death.

Legal proceedings in Pakistan concerning the children have faced numerous delays and suspensions. In a December 2025 court order, wardship proceedings were scheduled to be dismissed if no extension was applied for within six months, noting the children were no longer under Surrey council's care.