In a shocking example of nepotism, a provincial government in Pakistan has appointed about four dozen members of a same family in health department.
The issue came to light after a health employee filed a petition in the Supreme Court against Sindh government and its health department for appointment of about 48 cousins in Ghotki district.
"More than four dozen members of Chadhar family have been appointed by the Sindh government authorities starting from 2008," said Farman Ali Pitafi.
Though most of them were given low grade jobs ranging from security guards to vaccinators but Mr Pitafi alleged that they were being given quick promotions.
He said many of them were appointed in a single hospital of the area.
The Supreme Court accepted the petition and announced to start regular hearing from tomorrow.
Sindh Health Minister Sikandar Ali Mandhro expressed ignorance over the issue and promised to probe the issue.
Sindh has been under the rule of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) of former slain leader Benazir Bhutto since 2008. The party is now controlled by her widower Asif Ali Zardari who in the past spent several years in jails on the charges of alleged corruption.
The party is often accused of misrule in the province but has been able to maintain hold through alliance with powerful landlords and other influential people of the province.