Sara Sharif's grandfather wins permanent custody of her five siblings in Pakistan after years of legal battles

From the Newshound archive · first published 10 October 2026.

A Pakistani court has awarded permanent guardianship of Sara Sharif's five siblings to their paternal grandfather, Muhammed Sharif, ending three years of legal limbo since the 10-year-old was murdered in Woking in 2023. The children, now aged between four and 16, will remain in Jhelum, Pakistan, where all but the youngest are already attending school. Surrey County Council had sought to bring the children back to England but revealed in June that its bid had failed. Muhammed Sharif told reporters: 'It is my responsibility to ensure they get the best possible education and care.'

The eldest child told the judge they were 'comfortable and settled' in Pakistan before the ruling was made.

Sara's father Urfan Sharif received a minimum 40-year sentence, stepmother Beinash Batool a minimum of 33 years, and uncle Faisal Malik 16 years.

Muhammed Sharif said he would 'help them to return to a normal life', and confirmed that their British passports would be kept by the children.