The five surviving siblings of Sara Sharif, the 10-year-old girl found dead in Woking last year, are now expected to remain in Pakistan. Surrey County Council has officially withdrawn its application seeking the return of the children to the UK, a move that significantly alters the trajectory of their future.
The children, aged between one and 13, have been residing with relatives in Jhelum, Pakistan, since August 2023. This followed the discovery of Sara Sharif's body at her family home in Horsell, Woking, on 10th August. A post-mortem examination determined Sara had sustained 'multiple and extensive injuries' over a prolonged period, leading Surrey Police to launch a murder investigation.
Three individuals – Sara's father Urfan Sharif, her stepmother Beinash Batool, and her uncle Faisal Malik – are currently wanted for questioning by Surrey Police in connection with her death. They left the UK for Pakistan shortly before Sara's body was discovered. Interpol red notices have been issued for their arrest, and Surrey Police continue to work with international authorities on the investigation.
The welfare of the five siblings has been a key concern since the initial events. Following their arrival in Pakistan, they were placed into the care of their grandfather. Surrey County Council had previously initiated legal proceedings in the UK to facilitate their return, citing welfare concerns and the need to assess their circumstances within the British legal framework.
The decision by Surrey County Council to withdraw its application suggests a complex interplay of legal, diplomatic, and practical challenges. While the specific reasons for the withdrawal have not been publicly detailed, it indicates that the path to bringing the children back to the UK under a local authority care order has been deemed unfeasible or inappropriate at this time. This leaves the children under the care arrangements established in Pakistan.
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) has been providing consular assistance to British nationals involved in the case. Their role typically involves supporting UK citizens abroad and liaising with local authorities, but they would not directly intervene in legal custody matters unless specific circumstances dictated.