A Liberal Democrat MP has urged the government to work towards the return of Sara Sharif’s siblings, who were taken to Pakistan last year.
In a plea during a session in the House of Commons, Will Forster, the lawmaker for Woking, asked foreign office minister Hamish Falconer to engage with Pakistani authorities about the safety of the five children and potentially secure their return to the UK, reported the Times.
The kids were taken to Pakistan by their parents in August 2023, just a day before the tragic discovery of 10-year-old Sara Sharif’s body at their home in Woking, Surrey.
Her father, Urfan Sharif, stepmother, Beinash Batool, and uncle, Faisal Malik, left the UK with the children shortly before police found Sara dead.
The three returned to the UK in September 2023 and are currently on trial at the Old Bailey, charged with Sara’s murder, as well as causing or allowing the death of a child. They have all pleaded not guilty.
The children, who are currently living with relatives in Pakistan, have been the subject of growing concern.
Falconer responded to Forster’s request by saying that the safety of British children overseas is of “utmost concern.” He reassured the House of Commons that discussions would take place to determine the best course of action for the children's welfare.
Meanwhile, the murder trial has revealed harrowing details of Sara’s final years, including evidence of prolonged abuse.
A neighbour, Rebecca Spencer, who lived in the flat above the Sharif family’s previous home in West Byfleet, recounted to the court how she had heard constant crying, banging, and screams coming from the home. Spencer described an incident where she went to check on the situation, only for Sara’s stepmother, Batool, to abruptly shut the door in her face after reassuring her that everything was fine, reported the BBC.
Spencer also testified that she frequently heard disturbing noises, such as “hysterical screaming” and the “rattling of doors,” but she did not witness any visible injuries on the children or report the incidents to the authorities at the time.
Another neighbour, Chloe Redwin, who lived near the family for over two years, testified that the house was only quiet when the family was away on holiday. Redwin recalled hearing sounds that she interpreted as smacking, followed by a scream, but she also did not report the matter.
The court heard that Sara endured more than two years of abuse, including being hooded, burned, bitten, and beaten.
The trial in the case continues at the Old Bailey.
Migrants in a dinghy crossing the English Channel
Sunder Katwala