MP pushes for return of Sara Sharif's siblings from Pakistan
- Will Forster, a Liberal Democrat MP from Woking, has raised concerns regarding the five siblings of Sara Sharif, who were taken to Pakistan by their parents in August 2023.
- Sara's body was discovered shortly after the siblings were removed from the UK, prompting worries about their safety.
- The MP has requested government action to ensure the return of the children and to discuss their current welfare with the Pakistani authorities.
Following the tragic discovery of 10-year-old Sara Sharif's body in Woking, UK, in August 2023, her parents took her five siblings to Pakistan. This incident raised significant alarms regarding the children's safety and welfare. The children were removed from the UK just a day prior to the grim finding of Sara's remains, which has spurred a series of discussions and concerns around their current living conditions. On October 22, 2024, Will Forster, a Liberal Democrat MP for Woking, took steps to address these concerns by questioning Hamish Falconer, a minister in the Foreign Office. Forster urged the government to communicate with Pakistani officials regarding the safety of the siblings and to explore options for securing their return to the UK. The discussion highlights the government's responsibility for safeguarding British citizens, particularly children, facing potentially harmful situations abroad. Minister Falconer reassured the House of Commons that the welfare of British children overseas is a priority and that he would work closely with Forster to determine the best course of action for supporting the siblings. This conversation follows ongoing scrutiny of the case and reflects a broader commitment to ensuring the safety of vulnerable children caught in precarious situations, especially following parental decisions that may threaten their well-being. Overall, this request from the MP points to the urgent need for international cooperation in child protection matters and the critical importance of maintaining a dialogue with foreign governments to safeguard the interests of children who could be in harm's way.