LAHORE: An accountability court judge on Tuesday extended physical remand of PPP leader Qasim Zia for six days in a reference of stock exchange fraud.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had arrested Mr Zia and others on Aug 8 after the charges of fraud in his brokerage house.

The bureau sought his remand for 10 days.

Defence counsel Azhar Siddique opposed bureau`s request and said there was no need for more physical custody of his client. He said his client was a national hero and the allegations against him were baseless.

Presiding judge Khaqan Babar extended Mr Zia`s remand for six days. According to NAB, Zia was one of the directors of `Ali Usman Securities` that defrauded public in stock exchange.

Mr Zia told reporters he was innocent and would not seek any favour from NAB. He said he could have fled the country if had any role in the alleged fraud.

A large number of PPP workers were also present at the court to express solidarity with Mr Zia. They chanted slogans in his favor and criticised the NAB`s political victimisation of their leader.-Staff Reporter