Sara Sharif's grandfather granted guardianship of her siblings in Pakistan

A court in Pakistan has recently appointed Sara Sharif’s paternal grandfather as the legal guardian of her siblings. This ruling brings an end to a prolonged period of uncertainty following the tragic killing of 10-year-old Sara by her father and stepmother in 2023.

The grandfather confirmed that his grandchildren would keep their British citizenship, allowing them the option to return to the UK if they wish in the future. Currently, the five siblings, ranging in age from four to sixteen, have been residing in Pakistan since 2023. During a court session, the children were given the opportunity to speak, with the eldest expressing that they felt settled and comfortable in their current environment. Upon hearing the judge’s decision about the grandfather’s new role as guardian, the eldest replied, “that’s all good.”

The siblings were brought to Pakistan in August 2023 by Sara’s father, stepmother, and uncle after Sara’s death. Following this, the family went into hiding for several weeks until the children were found at the grandfather’s residence by police authorities. Upon discovery, the children were placed under state care. Meanwhile, the adults involved had returned to the UK, where they were shortly arrested at the airport.

Sara’s father, Urfan Sharif, and stepmother, Beinash Batool, were convicted of her murder. Sharif received a minimum sentence of 40 years, while Batool was sentenced to a minimum of 33 years. Additionally, Sara’s uncle, Faisal Malik, was convicted of causing or allowing her death and was handed a 16-year prison term. Investigations revealed that Sara endured a brutal “campaign of torture” over two years, which included being hooded, burned, and beaten before her body was ultimately found at their family home in Woking, Surrey

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