The Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) has renewed its demand for former prime minister Imran Khan to undergo a CT coronary angiography (CTA) at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, alleging delays in providing him with recommended cardiac care.
PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram said Imran was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) early Friday for an eye procedure and diagnostic tests. According to him, doctors recommended a cardiac CTA, but the test was not conducted before Imran was returned to Adiala jail.
Akram claimed that Pims had a functional CT scanner capable of conducting the test and questioned why Imran was not shifted to Shifa International, where the required facilities were available.
He said a Pims cardiologist had recommended the CTA earlier this month following concerns over fluctuating blood pressure, palpitations, headaches and other symptoms. The PTI official demanded that the test be conducted immediately at Shifa under the supervision of independent specialists and Imran’s personal doctors.
The demand came after Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an inquiry into the reported failure to conduct the CTA at Pims. An inquiry committee headed by the Establishment Division secretary has been tasked with determining the facts and fixing responsibility.
The PTI also called for the release of Imran’s complete medical records to his family, doctors and legal team and urged the government to implement the Supreme Court’s August 18 order directing his examination and treatment at Shifa International.
The Supreme Court had ordered the government to shift Imran to Shifa International within two days for assessment by a multidisciplinary medical board. However, he was instead taken to Pims before being returned to Adiala jail.
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar attributed the change in plan to security concerns allegedly caused by PTI workers near Shifa. The PTI rejected the explanation and accused the government of violating the court’s directive.
Pims later said specialists from Shifa participated in Imran’s eye examination, while other tests were conducted by its own medical team.
