QUETTA: Balochistan Home Minister Mir Sarfaraz Ahmed Bugti has cancelled 200 appointments in the prison department and ordered an investigation into the recruitments made in violation of rules and regulations.

The minister took the step after receiving complaints that the vacant posts of various categories had not been filled onmerit and the authorities concerned had made the appointments after receiving a large amount from candidates.

`The competent authority, Home and Tribal Affairs Department, has cancelled appointment orders of the posts of warders, matrons, tailors, drivers, midwives and sweepers issued on March 31 by the inspector general of prisons,` a notification issued on Monday said. According to sources, Mr Bugti formed a two-member committee to investigate the matter.