Story perspectives

Surrey Council Ends Wardship, Leaves Sharif Siblings in Pakistan

6/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Surrey County Council withdrew its effort to bring Sara Sharif’s five siblings back to the United Kingdom, leaving them in Pakistan.
The siblings have remained with their paternal grandfather in Jhelum, Pakistan, since October 2023.
Council chief executive Terence Herbert said the council exhausted options after a December 2025 court order ended Surrey’s wardship authority over the children.
Grandfather’s lawyer noted the siblings retain joint British-Pakistani nationality, allowing a future UK return.

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Story summary

Surrey County Council withdrew its effort to bring Sara Sharif’s five siblings back to the United Kingdom, leaving them in Pakistan.
The siblings have remained with their paternal grandfather in Jhelum, Pakistan, since October 2023.
Council chief executive Terence Herbert said the council exhausted options after a December 2025 court order ended Surrey’s wardship authority over the children.
Grandfather’s lawyer noted the siblings retain joint British-Pakistani nationality, allowing a future UK return.