Sara Sharif's grandfather granted guardianship of siblings in Pakistan

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 10 Oct, 17:00 · Archive

Sara Sharif's paternal grandfather has been granted guardianship of her five siblings by a Pakistani court.

Sara Sharif's paternal grandfather, Muhammed Sharif, has been granted guardianship of her five siblings by a Pakistani court in Jhelum. The children have been living with him since August 2023, when they were brought to Pakistan by Sara's father, Urfan Sharif, and stepmother, Beinash Batool, following Sara's murder.

The eldest of the five siblings, now aged between four and 16, spoke to the judge before the ruling and confirmed they were comfortable and settled in Pakistan. All but the youngest are attending schools in the country. The grandfather said he was relieved after three years of legal battles and stated his responsibility was to ensure they received 'the best possible education and care'.

Sara, aged ten, was killed by her father and stepmother in 2023. The couple fled to Pakistan with Sara's uncle, Faisal Malik, and the five children. They were discovered by police at the grandfather's house and initially placed in state childcare. The adults returned to the UK and were arrested at the airport. Urfan Sharif was sentenced to a minimum of 40 years in prison, Beinash Batool to a minimum of 33 years, and Faisal Malik to 16 years for causing or allowing Sara's death. Surrey County Council had unsuccessfully attempted to return the children, who became wards of court in England after Sara's death.

How it is being reported

• Sarah Sharif's grandfather wins custody of her five siblings in Pakistan where they were taken by 10-year-old's father and stepmother after couple killed herSara Sharif's paternal grandfather Muhammed Sharif has been awarded guardianship of her five siblings by a court in Pakistan, following years of legal wrangling.Daily Mail · 10 Oct, 16:49
• Sara Sharif's grandfather granted guardianship of her siblings in PakistanAll five children have been living with him in Pakistan since 2023, when 10-year-old Sara was murdered.BBC News · 10 Oct, 14:22

In this story: Sara Sharif · Muhammed Sharif · Urfan Sharif · Beinash Batool · Faisal Malik · Pakistan · Jhelum · Woking

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem