Family Members Linked to Sara Sharif’s Death Returning to UK
Three family members wanted in connection with the death of 10-year-old Sara Sharif are en route to the UK from Pakistan. Sara’s father, Urfan Sharif, his partner Beinash Batool, and his brother Faisal Malik were reportedly on a flight returning to the UK.
Sara Sharif was discovered deceased at her residence in Woking, and Surrey Police had been alerted by her father in the early hours of August 10. A post-mortem examination revealed that Sara had sustained “multiple and extensive injuries” over an extended period.
Arrest and Handover in Pakistan
According to a spokesperson for Sialkot police in Pakistan, three individuals have been arrested and handed over to the Pakistani Federal Investigation Agency. They are now being flown back to the UK from Sialkot in eastern Punjab province.
Efforts to Secure Safe Return of Siblings
Surrey Police is working to secure the safe return of Sara’s five siblings from Pakistan. A court ruling in Pakistan had temporarily placed the children in a government childcare facility. The force has been collaborating with Surrey County Council and international authorities following the court’s decision. It remains uncertain where the children will eventually be placed and for how long they will stay in the facility.
Children’s Travel to Pakistan
The children, ranging in age from one to 13 years old, traveled to Pakistan on August 9 along with their father, Ms. Batool, and Mr. Malik. They were briefly present in court before being relocated to another court as authorities determined their next steps.
Statements from Family Members
Sara’s stepmother, Beinash Batool, made her first public statement since the girl’s death, describing it as an “incident” and expressing willingness to cooperate with UK authorities. Sara’s mother, Olga Sharif, shared her heart-wrenching experience of viewing her daughter’s body in an interview with Polish television. She highlighted the injuries Sara had suffered, including swollen cheeks and bruises.
Background on Sara Sharif’s Custody
Sara’s parents had separated in 2015, with Sara and her older brother residing with their mother until 2019 when a family court decision ruled in favor of the father’s custody. Despite the change in custody, Ms. Sharif retained equal rights to see her children, but it became increasingly challenging over time.
Sara’s grandfather, Muhammad Sharif, previously referred to the girl’s death as an “accident” and mentioned that his son had left the UK out of fear upon arriving in Jhelum, Pakistan.