‘Heart Health Cannot Face Further Delay’: PTI Demands Imran Khan’s Treatment At Shifa Hospital

Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has demanded immediate cardiac evaluation and treatment for party founder and former prime minister Imran Khan at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, alleging that authorities failed to conduct a medically recommended CT Coronary Angiography during his recent visit to a government hospital.

The 73-year-old Khan was taken to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) on Friday for an eye procedure and other medical examinations. According to PTI, doctors had recommended a CT Coronary Angiography because of concerns over his heart health, but the test was not carried out before he was taken back to Adiala Jail.

PTI Questions Why Heart Test Was Not Conducted

PTI Central Secretary Information Sheikh Waqas Akram accused authorities of failing to provide Khan with a recommended diagnostic test despite the availability of a functional CT scanner at PIMS, according to a report by Dawn.

Akram said a PIMS cardiologist had recommended the test on August 1 after Khan reported fluctuating blood pressure and restlessness. The recommendation was also linked to concerns about possible cardiac complications considering his age and prolonged period in custody.

He said a government medical board subsequently examined Khan on August 10 following complaints of heart palpitations and severe headaches.

PTI has alleged that Khan should instead have been taken to Shifa International Hospital, where the party says the necessary specialist facilities are available.

Party Seeks Transfer To Shifa International

Akram referred to a Supreme Court order concerning Khan’s medical examination and treatment, claiming that authorities had failed to follow the direction by taking him to a facility where the recommended cardiac test was not performed.

The PTI leader also cited an August 18 Supreme Court direction and renewed the party’s demand that Khan be moved to Shifa International Hospital without delay.

He questioned why Khan was taken to PIMS when, according to the party, the required facilities were available at Shifa International.

PTI has also called for Khan’s complete medical records, reports and diagnostic results to be shared with his family, personal doctors and legal team.

Inquiry Ordered Into Missed CTA

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an inquiry on Saturday after reports emerged that Khan’s CT Coronary Angiography had not been conducted.

The committee, headed by the Establishment Division secretary, has been tasked with establishing what happened and determining responsibility.

Akram questioned why the recommended test was not performed in the first place, why coordination between the cardiology and radiology departments allegedly failed, and why Khan was not taken to Shifa International.

He also rejected government claims that Khan was receiving adequate medical care, saying the latest developments had increased concerns over alleged delays in his treatment.

Imran Khan Has Been In Custody Since 2023

Khan was arrested on August 5, 2023, in connection with a corruption case and has remained in custody. He is currently lodged in Adiala Jail on the outskirts of Rawalpindi.

His relatives and supporters have repeatedly accused authorities of restricting his access to adequate medical treatment, family members and legal counsel. The government has rejected allegations of mistreatment.

The latest dispute centres on whether Khan received the cardiac evaluation recommended by doctors and whether he should now be transferred to Shifa International Hospital for further assessment.