LONDON: A local authority in southern England has refused to release a key report detailing failures that contributed to the death of 10-year-old Sara Sharif, citing data protection laws.

The report, commissioned by Surrey County Council, examines missed opportunities by officials who failed to prevent the abuse and eventual murder of the child by her father, Urfan Sharif, and stepmother, Beinash Batool. Both were convicted of her murder in December 2024.

British media reports said that, according to findings previously disclosed in a safeguarding review, Sara had been subjected to prolonged abuse and should not have been returned to her father’s care. Authorities reportedly underestimated the risks posed by Urfa Sharif, despite evidence of a history of domestic violence.

Published in Dawn, May 7th, 2026