PESHAWAR, Feb 8: The Peshawar High Court on Tuesday declined to extend, bail earlier granted to a former federal minister, Syed Qasim Shah. He had been convicted by an accountability court in a corruption reference.

A two-member bench comprising Chief Justice Nasirul Mulk and Justice Qaim Jan Khan observed that the bail had been granted to the petitioner for a period of six months which expired 10 days ago and said he should have surrendered to the court before the expiry of that date. The court fixed Feb 16 for next hearing.

On Tuesday, two cases involving Mr Shah were fixed before the court: A criminal appeal challenging his conviction by the accountability court; and, a writ petition seeking extension in his bail.

Advocate Yahya Afridi appeared for the petitioner and argued that the petitioner had gone abroad for medical treatment. He said the petitioner was not in a position to return and appear before the court. He requested the court to extend his bail.