Jhelum Police and the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) have reportedly taken into custody a paternal uncle of Sara Sharif due to suspicions that he possesses information about the whereabouts of three individuals accused in the case.
These accused include her father, stepmother, and another uncle, all of whom are sought in connection with her tragic murder.
According to reports from U.K. media sources, the apprehended individual, Imran, is currently undergoing questioning by both Jhelum Police and officers from the Federal Investigation Agency. The 10-year-old victim, Sara, was discovered deceased at her family residence in Woking, Surrey, on August 10.
This development transpired a day after the victim’s father, Urfan Sharif, absconded to Pakistan along with his partner Beinash Atool, his brother Faisal Malik, and their five children. An international manhunt is now in full swing for the three fugitives, with Pakistani investigators probing family members who are suspected of harboring the trio.
Among those taken into custody is Imran, Mr. Sharif’s brother, who has been detained by law enforcement due to their firm belief that he possesses knowledge about the location of the fugitive family. The ongoing investigation aims to shed light on the complex circumstances surrounding this case.
Earlier, District police officer Nasir Mehmood Bajwa, in Jhelum said that after police find Mr Sharif they are likely to take him into custody after receiving the go-ahead from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in Islamabad.
Pakistan’s foreign ministry and the FIA have not confirmed or shared any verbal or written orders on this case.
Mr Sharif, his partner Beinash Batool and his brother Faisal Malik all left the UK for Pakistan on 9 August, a day before Sara’s body was discovered.
Surrey Police have said Mr Sharif, 41, made a 999 call from Pakistan shortly after landing in Islamabad with his partner, his brother and five children, aged between one and 13.
