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

Sara Sharif's paternal grandfather in Pakistan has recently been granted guardianship over her five surviving siblings. This decision came after a prolonged legal limbo that followed the murder of Sara in 2023 at the hands of her father and stepmother. The grandfather assured that the children will retain their British citizenship, allowing them to return to the UK if they choose to do so. The five children, aged between 16 and four, have been residing in Pakistan since the tragic incident.

When presented with the news that their grandfather would become their guardian, the eldest sibling expressed, "That's all good." The children have been living in Pakistan since August 2023, following their discovery by police at the grandfather's residence after weeks of hiding. They were initially placed in state childcare.

Sara's father, Urfan Sharif, and stepmother, Beinash Batool, were convicted of her murder. Sharif received a minimum 40-year prison sentence, while Batool was given at least 33 years. Her uncle, Faisal Malik, was found guilty of causing or allowing Sara's death and was sentenced to 16 years in prison.

Pakistan's court granted temporary custody of the children to their grandfather in October 2023. All but the youngest are currently attending school in Pakistan, according to the grandfather. The children were declared wards of the court in England. Surrey County Council attempted to bring them back through the courts in Pakistan but withdrew from the case in June, stating that they did not have the capability to pursue the application in Pakistan, as English proceedings were nearing completion.