ISLAMABAD, Aug 24: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has demanded immediate specialised cardiac care for party founder and former prime minister Imran Khan at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, alleging that authorities failed to conduct a medically recommended heart test during his recent visit to a government hospital.
PTI Central Secretary Information Sheikh Waqas Akram criticised what he described as repeated delays in providing appropriate medical care to the 73 year old former premier.
Khan was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) on Friday for an eye procedure and other medical examinations. According to the party, doctors had recommended a CT Coronary Angiography (CTA) to assess his heart condition, but the test was not carried out before he was returned to Adiala Jail.
Akram claimed that a functional CT scanner was available at PIMS and questioned why the recommended examination was not completed.
PTI questions decision over medical facility
The party has urged authorities to immediately transfer Khan to Shifa International Hospital, where it says the necessary specialist facilities are available.
Akram also referred to a Supreme Court order concerning Khan’s medical examination and treatment at Shifa International Hospital. He alleged that authorities failed to follow the directive by taking Khan to a facility where the cardiac imaging procedure was ultimately not performed.
The PTI leader questioned whether the decision to send Khan to a different hospital had been made despite authorities being aware of the specialised facilities available at Shifa.
Concerns over heart related symptoms
According to Akram, a government medical board examined Khan on August 10 after he reported heart palpitations and severe headaches.
He said a PIMS cardiologist had recommended the CTA on August 1 because of fluctuating blood pressure, restlessness and concerns about possible cardiac complications.
The PTI has argued that Khan’s age and prolonged detention make timely medical monitoring particularly important.
Government orders inquiry
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has constituted an inquiry committee headed by the Establishment Division secretary to investigate why the recommended cardiac test was not conducted.
Akram said the inquiry should determine why coordination between the cardiology and radiology departments allegedly failed and why Khan was not taken to Shifa International Hospital.
The PTI has also demanded that Khan’s complete medical records, diagnostic reports and test results be promptly shared with his family, personal physicians and legal team.
Akram maintained that access to essential healthcare should not be delayed for administrative or political reasons and warned that authorities would be responsible for any further deterioration in Khan’s health.
Khan has been imprisoned since his arrest in August 2023 in connection with a corruption case and is currently lodged at Adiala Jail near Rawalpindi. His family and supporters have repeatedly raised concerns about his access to medical treatment, family members and legal representatives.