Pramod Thomas is a senior correspondent with Asian Media Group since 2020, bringing 19 years of journalism experience across business, politics, sports, communities, and international relations. His career spans both traditional and digital media platforms, with eight years specifically focused on digital journalism. This blend of experience positions him well to navigate the evolving media landscape and deliver content across various formats. He has worked with national and international media organisations, giving him a broad perspective on global news trends and reporting standards.
THE father and stepmother of a 10-year-old British-Pakistani girl were found guilty Wednesday (11) of her murder in a gruesome case of child abuse that shocked the UK and triggered an international manhunt.
Urfan Sharif, 42, and Beinash Batool, 30, were convicted of Sara Sharif's murder after she was found dead at her home last year, having suffered extensive injuries including broken bones, burns and bite marks.
Her uncle Faisal Malik, 29, was also found guilty of causing or allowing her death after a week of jury deliberations at London's Old Bailey criminal court.
The sentencing for the "extremely stressful and traumatic" case will take place on Tuesday (17), the judge said.
Sara was found dead in her bed in Woking, southwest of London, on August 10, 2023. The three convicted family members had fled to Pakistan the day before.
Her father left behind a handwritten note by her body saying he hadn't meant to kill her "but I lost it".
Her three relatives were arrested after returning to the UK a month later.
When cross-examined at the highly charged trial last month, Sharif, a taxi driver, admitted to killing his daughter, but maintained he had not meant to harm her. He had initially denied all charges and blamed Batool for Sara's death.
Sara Sharif’s family members plead not guilty to her murderwww.easterneye.biz
Sharif also admitted causing multiple fractures in the weeks before Sara's death, beating her with a cricket bat as she was bound with packaging tape, throttling her with his bare hands and breaking the hyoid bone in her neck.
Batool, who did not give evidence, had refused to provide dental imprints for the bite marks found on Sara, who was described as "bubbly" and "very smiley".The prosecutor said Batool and Malik had a "strong case" against them, by "the fact they lived with Sara as she was gradually being beaten to death."
A post-mortem found the child had suffered at least 25 broken bones. A cricket bat with Sara's blood on it and plastic bag hoods the size of her head were among the evidence found in a house-search.
On arriving in Islamabad after fleeing last year, Sharif phoned British police and told them he had beaten his daughter "too much".
But during the trial all three family members entered not guilty pleas.
Speaking outside the Old Bailey, Craig Emmerson of Surrey police called it "one of the most difficult and distressing cases that Surrey police has ever dealt with".
"All three defendants have only ever sought to preserve their own interests throughout this investigation and have shown no remorse for their truly dreadful behaviour," Emmerson added.
The trial also raised questions about the Sara's safeguarding at school and by local child services.
Sharif had gained custody of Sara in 2019 after separating from his first wife and despite allegations of being abusive towards his ex-wife, the jury was told during the trial. Sara was also in and out of foster care.
Around March 2023, after seeing injuries on her face, Sara's school referred the case to child services, who probed the incident but did not take any action.
A month later, Sara was taken out of school by Sharif to be home-schooled full-time.
"None of us can imagine how appalling and brutal Sara's treatment was in the last few weeks of her short life," Libby Clark from the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said after the conviction.
"We have today secured justice for Sara, a bubbly young girl, who was killed by the adults who should have protected her," Clark added.
Sara's teacher Jacquie Chambers described her to the BBC as an "absolute chatterbox" and a "confident, very smiley, full of energy and life little girl".
"She was a really vibrant, big character," Chambers added.
India began their campaign with a nine-wicket win against the UAE, bowling them out for 57 in 13.1 overs before chasing the target in just 27 balls on Thursday. (Photo: Getty Images)
AN INDIA-PAKISTAN cricket match always draws attention, and emotions are set to run high when the two teams meet on Sunday in the Asia Cup. The contest comes months after the neighbours engaged in a four-day military conflict in May.
Bilateral cricket ties between the two countries have been suspended for years, and the arch-rivals now face each other only in multi-nation tournaments. The upcoming Group A fixture will be their first meeting since the May clashes, which nearly escalated into a full-scale war.
Political relations have worsened since then, with some former Indian cricketers calling on the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) to boycott the match. The boycott call has been set aside, and both teams have said they will not ease up on aggression when they meet.
India captain Suryakumar Yadav and Pakistan counterpart Salman Agha have made clear they want their teams to play hard. India, the current 20-overs world champions, are also looking to defend their Asia Cup title.
"Once the BCCI said they are aligned with the government, we are here to play," India’s batting coach Sitanshu Kotak said on Friday. "Once we are here to play, I think players are focused on playing cricket. I personally don't think they have anything in mind apart from playing cricket and that's what we focus on."
Pakistan coach Mike Hesson also stressed focus, though he acknowledged the intensity of the occasion.
"Being part of a highly-charged event is going to be exciting," Hesson said this week.
"From my perspective ... it is about keeping everybody focused on the job at hand. That will be no different.
"We know India are obviously hugely confident and rightfully so. But we are very much focused on improving as a team day-by-day and not getting ahead of ourselves."
India look the strongest side in the eight-team event, bolstered by the return of pace bowler Jasprit Bumrah and batter Shubman Gill. They began their campaign with a nine-wicket win against the United Arab Emirates, bowling them out for 57 in 13.1 overs before chasing the target in just 27 balls on Thursday.
Pakistan started with a win against Oman but their batting has been inconsistent. They are without former captains Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan but recently won a T20 tri-series in the UAE that also featured Afghanistan.
"We have been playing good cricket in the last two-three months and we just have to play good cricket," Pakistan captain Salman said on Friday. "If we can execute our plans for a long enough period, we are good enough to beat any team."
By clicking the 'Subscribe’, you agree to receive our newsletter, marketing communications and industry
partners/sponsors sharing promotional product information via email and print communication from Garavi Gujarat
Publications Ltd and subsidiaries. You have the right to withdraw your consent at any time by clicking the
unsubscribe link in our emails. We will use your email address to personalize our communications and send you
relevant offers. Your data will be stored up to 30 days after unsubscribing.
Contact us at data@amg.biz to see how we manage and store your data.
The event, which Robinson has promoted for months, is being billed by him as the 'UK's biggest free speech festival.' (Photo: Getty Images)
More than 1,600 officers deployed across London on Saturday
Far-right activist Tommy Robinson to lead "Unite the Kingdom" march
Anti-racism groups to stage counter-protests in Whitehall
Police impose conditions on routes and timings of demonstrations
LONDON police will deploy more than 1,600 officers across the city on Saturday as rival demonstrations take place, including a rally organised by far-right activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, known as Tommy Robinson, and a counter-protest by anti-racism campaigners.
The "Unite the Kingdom" march, called by Robinson, is due to gather near Waterloo Bridge and head towards the southern end of Whitehall for a rally.
The event, which Robinson has promoted for months, is being billed by him as the "UK's biggest free speech festival." He has urged supporters to join "for freedom, for your children, and for Charlie Kirk," referring to the American conservative activist shot dead this week in Utah.
Robinson added in a message: "Bring your smiles, flags, and patriotic pride. No masks, open alcohol, or violence." He said the event will also feature far-right figures from Europe and North America. Among those expected are French politician Eric Zemmour, Petr Bystron of Germany’s AfD party, commentator Katie Hopkins, and Canadian psychologist Jordan Peterson.
Stand Up To Racism will stage a counter-protest at the other end of Whitehall. Organisers have called Robinson’s event "a festival of hate."
Police security measures
The Metropolitan Police said barriers will be in place to keep the two groups apart. Around 1,000 officers will be specifically on duty for the marches, with 500 reinforcements drafted in from other forces. Police have imposed conditions on the routes and timings, requiring both demonstrations to end by the evening.
"We will approach them as we do any other protests, policing without fear or favour, ensuring people can exercise their lawful rights but being robust in dealing with incidents or offences should they occur," said Commander Clair Haynes, who is leading the operation.
The force said the policing plan also takes into account other large events on Saturday, including Premier League football matches and concerts.
Wider political context
A similar rally held by Robinson in July 2024 drew tens of thousands. He has said he expects hundreds of thousands to attend on Saturday.
The demonstration comes after months of tensions in Britain over immigration, freedom of speech, and government restrictions. More than 28,000 people have crossed the Channel in small boats this year, with asylum claims reaching record levels.
Last month, the government banned the group Palestine Action, sparking large protests. Nearly 900 people were arrested at a London rally last Saturday against the ban. Critics have also accused authorities of targeting free speech, following the arrest of Irish writer Graham Linehan at Heathrow Airport over online comments. Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded by urging police to focus on "the most serious issues," while Metropolitan Police chief Mark Rowley said laws should be changed so that officers are not "policing toxic culture wars debates."
Robinson’s background
Robinson, 42, has long been active in far-right movements in England. He has a string of criminal convictions but maintains a large online following.
His influence grew after his account on X was reinstated in late 2023 following Elon Musk’s takeover of the platform.
Musk has shared Robinson’s posts and previously called for his release from prison after an 18-month contempt of court sentence in 2023.
(With inputs from agencies)
Keep ReadingShow less
The Canary Wharf business district including global financial institutions in London. (Photo: Getty Images)
UK's ECONOMY showed no growth in July, according to official data released on Friday, adding to a difficult week for prime minister Keir Starmer’s government.
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) said gross domestic product was flat in July, following a 0.4 per cent rise in June.
The government has faced two major setbacks this week. Deputy prime minister Angela Rayner resigned over failing to pay a property tax, and on Thursday, Starmer dismissed Peter Mandelson as ambassador to Washington after new disclosures about his ties with sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
While the July GDP figure matched market expectations, limiting the effect on the pound, the government admitted challenges in lifting growth.
"We know there's more to do to boost growth, because, whilst our economy isn't broken, it does feel stuck," a Treasury spokesperson said, as Labour prepared for its budget announcement in late November.
The data showed a 1.3 per cent fall in production, offsetting gains in services and construction.
"The stagnation in real GDP in July shows that the economy is still struggling to gain decent momentum in the face of the drag from previous hikes in taxes and possible further tax rises to come in the budget," said Paul Dales, chief UK economist at Capital Economics.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said last week that she would maintain a "tight grip" on public spending, setting November 26 for her budget speech.
The UK economy has faced weak growth since Reeves raised taxes and reduced public spending after Labour’s election win in July last year.
Separate ONS data on Friday showed exports of goods to the United States rose in July but stayed below levels seen before US president Donald Trump’s tariff measures.
Exports to the US increased by £800 million after London and Washington reached a trade deal that eased some tariffs, particularly on UK-made vehicles.
Trump will visit the UK next week for a state visit that includes talks with Starmer and a banquet hosted by King Charles.
(With inputs from agencies)
Keep ReadingShow less
Mandelson, 71, a veteran Labour politician and key figure in the party under former leader Tony Blair, had come under scrutiny after letters and emails to Epstein were published. (Photo: Getty Images)
PETER MANDELSON, the UK's ambassador to the United States, has been sacked over revelations about his friendship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, the government said.
"The Prime Minister has asked the Foreign Secretary to withdraw him as ambassador," a foreign ministry statement said, adding that new messages showed "the depth and extent of Peter Mandelson’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein".
Mandelson, 71, a veteran Labour politician and key figure in the party under former leader Tony Blair, had come under scrutiny after letters and emails to Epstein were published.
A birthday book included a letter purportedly from Mandelson describing Epstein as "my best pal". Further emails showed Mandelson advised Epstein to fight for early release when he faced charges over soliciting a minor.
"In light of the additional information in emails written by Peter Mandelson, the prime minister has asked the foreign secretary to withdraw him as ambassador," the foreign ministry said. "The emails show that the depth and extent of Peter Mandelson's relationship with Jeffrey Epstein is materially different from that known at the time of his appointment."
The ministry added that Mandelson's suggestion that Epstein's first conviction was wrongful and should be challenged was "new information."
On Wednesday, Mandelson said he deeply regretted ever meeting Epstein and that he had carried on that association "for far longer than I should have done". Starmer later gave him his backing in parliament.
(With inputs from agencies)
Keep ReadingShow less
Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at the age of 18, building it into the largest conservative youth organisation in the country. (Photo: Getty Images)
Conservative activist Charlie Kirk fatally shot at Utah Valley University
Shooter fired from a rooftop in what police called a “targeted attack”
Federal, state and local agencies involved in ongoing manhunt
Political leaders across parties condemn the killing
A MANHUNT was underway Thursday after conservative activist Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University, an attack that has sparked concerns of rising political violence in the United States.
Kirk, 31, was shot in the neck while addressing students at the Orem campus on Wednesday. Video from the scene showed him seated under a tent, responding to questions when a single gunshot was heard. He fell back in his chair as the crowd panicked.
The Utah Department of Public Safety said the shooter, dressed in dark clothing, fired from a nearby rooftop in what was described as a “targeted attack.” Authorities confirmed that Kirk was rushed from the venue by his security team but later died.
Witness accounts
Former Utah congressman Jason Chaffetz, who attended the event, told Fox News the shot was fired as Kirk was answering a question about transgender and mass shooters.
“First question was about religion. He went on for about 15-20 minutes. Second question, interestingly, was about transgender shooters, mass shooters, and in the midst of that, the shot rang out,” Chaffetz said.
“As soon as that shot went out, he fell back. Everybody hit the deck... a lot of people started screaming, and then everybody started running.”
Students at the university described the scene as chaotic.
“It makes me feel like I should be very careful about expressing my political ideas,” said Samuel Kimball, a software engineering student. “If I was someone considering going into politics, I’d be afraid to get shot.”
Attendees hold candles during a candlelight vigil and prayer event for Turning Point USA Founder Charlie Kirk on September 10, 2025 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo: Getty Images)
Manhunt and investigation
Federal, state and local officers launched door-to-door searches, but the suspect remained at large. The FBI opened a digital tip line and confirmed that two men were briefly detained and later released. One man, George Zinn, was charged with obstruction, but authorities said neither detainee had current ties to the shooting.
There was some confusion during the search when FBI Director Kash Patel initially posted online that the suspect had been caught, before correcting the statement an hour later.
Orem city mayor David Young confirmed multiple agencies were investigating but said no arrests had been made.
Political reactions
President Donald Trump announced Kirk’s death on his Truth Social account, calling him “The Great, and even Legendary, Charlie Kirk.” In a video statement from the Oval Office, Trump blamed the “radical left” for the killing.
“For years those on the radical left have compared wonderful Americans like Charlie to Nazis and the world's worst mass murderers and criminals,” Trump said. “This kind of rhetoric is directly responsible for the terrorism that we're seeing in our country today. My administration will find each and every one of those who contributed to this atrocity, and to other political violence, including the organizations that fund it and support it.”
Trump also ordered US flags on federal buildings to be flown at half-staff until Sunday.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox described the killing as a “political assassination.”
“I want to make it crystal clear right now to whoever did this: we will find you, we will try you, and we will hold you accountable to the furthest extent of the law,” Cox said. “And I just want to remind people that we still have the death penalty here in the state of Utah.”
Responses across political spectrum
Vice President JD Vance wrote, “Eternal rest grant unto him, O Lord.”
Former president Joe Biden said: “There is no place in our country for this kind of violence. It must end now.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom called the attack “disgusting, vile, and reprehensible.”
Former congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, who survived an assassination attempt, said she was “horrified.”
Vice President Kamala Harris also condemned the killing, saying “political violence has no place in America.”
Kirk’s influence
Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 at the age of 18, building it into the largest conservative youth organisation in the country. Known for his social media presence, he was an influential voice among younger voters and a key ally in Trump’s political base.
The Utah event where he was killed was the first of about 15 appearances scheduled through October.
His death follows the killing of a Democratic lawmaker and her husband in Minnesota three months ago.