The label should have made it clear that the medicine was not for people.

With pictures of camels, horse and cows as well as the words “Veterinary use only”, there could be little doubt about the intended recipient of the vial of steroids.

Yet as far as the poor – and often illiterate – patients being given injections at Mohammad Kashif's backstreet clinic knew, they were receiving the best of care.

His lucrative business was halted one evening earlier this month by the abrupt arrival of Dr Saeed Asghar, deputy director of Punjab's Anti-Quackery Department.

As Dr Asghar burst in through the clinic door accompanied by an armed policeman, the bogus doctor appeared ready to bolt until the health official took his arm and his defiance wilted.