PTI seeks Imran Khan's shift to Shifa after heart scan not done

PTI said Imran Khan was returned to jail without a recommended CT coronary angiography. The episode has sharpened scrutiny of his medical care in custody and the state's compliance with court orders.Former Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan's party on Sunday condemned what it called the failure of authorities to ensure a CT Coronary Angiography (CTA) was conducted on him, despite doctors recommending the test over possible cardiac complications. The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) demanded that Khan be moved without delay to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad for the procedure.The party said the developments had raised fresh concerns over Khan's medical care in custody and accused the authorities of ignoring both medical advice and a Supreme Court order on his treatment. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has meanwhile formed an inquiry committee to establish the facts and fix responsibility after reports that the test was not carried out.According to a Dawn report, PTI Central Secretary Information Sheikh Waqas Akram said the authorities had failed to provide the 73-year-old Khan with a medically recommended diagnostic test despite the availability of a functional CT scanner at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS). Khan was taken to PIMS on Friday for an eye procedure and other diagnostic examinations. Doctors reportedly recommended a CTA of the heart, but hospital officials said the required facility was unavailable, and he was then sent back to Adiala jail without undergoing the test.Calling it a recurring issue, Akram said, "This cannot be dismissed as an isolated administrative lapse; it reflects a deeply troubling pattern." He said the required specialist facilities were available at Shifa International Hospital and referred to a Supreme Court order concerning Khan's comprehensive medical examination and treatment there. Akram alleged that the authorities had bypassed that directive and instead taken Khan to a facility where the CT angiography was not performed. "When the necessary facilities were available at Shifa International, deliberately taking Khan to a hospital unable or unwilling to perform the procedure raises a grave question: was the decision made in advance to prevent the CT Coronary Angiography from being conducted?" he asked. Akram said a government medical board had examined Khan on August 10 after he complained of heart palpitations and severe headaches. He added that a cardiologist at PIMS had already recommended the CTA on August 1 because of fluctuating blood pressure, restlessness and possible risks of cardiac complications, given Khan's age and prolonged isolation. On Sunday, Akram repeated the party's demand to shift Khan to Shifa International Hospital, saying the Supreme Court had also directed this on August 18. "Even the government's own doctors considered this diagnostic test necessary," he said.He also rejected the government's claim that Khan had been receiving adequate medical care and said the failure to conduct the CTA had "intensified concerns regarding repeated delays and apparent negligence in providing Imran Khan with timely and appropriate medical care". Referring to the inquiry committee set up by the prime minister, Akram said it raised "serious questions as to why the medically recommended test was not conducted in the first instance, why coordination between the cardiology and radiology departments had failed, and why Imran Khan was not taken to Shifa International despite the availability of the required facilities there". He also called for the "prompt disclosure of his complete medical records, reports and diagnostic results to his family, personal doctors and legal team". Akram further said, "Imran Khan's heart health cannot be subjected to political calculations, administrative excuses or further delay," and alleged that "political victimisation must never be permitted to endanger a human life through the denial or postponement of essential medical care". He warned that "the government and all relevant authorities will bear full responsibility for any further deterioration in his condition". Khan was arrested on August 5, 2023, in a corruption case and has remained in custody since then at Adiala Jail on the outskirts of Rawalpindi. His relatives and supporters have repeatedly alleged human rights violations and accused the authorities of restricting his access to medical care, family visits and legal counsel.In sum, the PTI has sought Khan's immediate transfer to Shifa International Hospital, questioned why a recommended heart test was not carried out at PIMS, and demanded the release of his medical records, while the government has ordered an inquiry into the matter.With PTI Inputs- EndsPublished By: India Today Web Desk Published On: Aug 24, 2026 11:12 IST