PTI demands immediate cardiac scan for Imran at Shifa

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has demanded that former prime minister Imran Khan undergo a CT coronary angiography (CTA) immediately

ISLAMABAD: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has demanded that former prime minister Imran Khan undergo a CT coronary angiography (CTA) immediately at Shifa International Hospital, citing concerns over his cardiac health.

The demand came after reports that Imran, who is currently in Adiala Jail, was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) for medical examinations but did not undergo the recommended cardiac scan.

Imran was brought to PIMS in the early hours of Friday for an eye procedure and other diagnostic tests. Doctors reportedly recommended a CTA of the heart during the visit. However, the procedure was not carried out before he was returned to prison.

PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said the party was deeply concerned over what it described as repeated delays in providing Imran with appropriate medical care.

He said a PIMS cardiologist had recommended a CT coronary angiography on August 1 because of fluctuating blood pressure, palpitations, headaches, restlessness and concerns about possible cardiac complications.

According to Akram, a government medical board had also examined Imran on August 10.

He questioned why the recommended test was not performed when Imran was already at PIMS. He also challenged the claim that the required facility was unavailable.

Doctors cited in the report said PIMS had a 128-slice CT scanner in its radiology department. The machine has reportedly been operational since 2022 and is capable of conducting CT angiography.

PTI has therefore demanded that Imran be taken to Shifa International Hospital without further delay. The party wants the CTA conducted under the supervision of independent specialists and Imran’s personal doctors.

The party has also called for his complete medical records and diagnostic reports to be provided promptly to his family, physicians and legal team.

The controversy follows an interim order by the Supreme Court on August 18 directing the government to shift Imran to Shifa International Hospital for examination and treatment by a multidisciplinary medical board.

The court had also directed that Imran’s personal physician, Dr Faisal Sultan, and Dr Uzma Khan be present during his medical assessment.

However, the government later sought a review of the order, arguing that the directive conflicted with prison rules and principles of natural justice. The Supreme Court subsequently returned the review petition over procedural objections.

The government has maintained that Imran received appropriate medical attention. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said security concerns linked to PTI workers around Shifa Hospital had led to the change in arrangements.

According to the government, Imran was examined by a team that included an ophthalmologist, cardiologist and physician and was declared medically fit.

The PIMS administration later said specialists from Shifa International had also participated in Imran’s eye assessment, while PIMS doctors conducted other examinations.

The issue has now intensified political and legal debate over Imran’s medical treatment in prison.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has already ordered an inquiry into why the recommended CTA was not conducted. An inquiry committee headed by the Establishment Division secretary has been tasked with determining the facts and fixing responsibility.

PTI has rejected the government’s explanation and called for an independent investigation into the circumstances surrounding Imran’s hospital transfer.