Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) has raised alarms over the denial of a medically recommended CT coronary angiography for jailed former PM Imran Khan. The party alleges a deliberate attempt to bypass judicial orders regarding his medical care.
- Doctors at PIMS recommended a CT coronary angiography for Imran Khan due to cardiac risks.
- PTI claims the test was denied despite functional equipment being available at the hospital.
- The party alleges the government bypassed a Supreme Court order to treat Khan at Shifa International Hospital.
The health of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has become the latest flashpoint in the country's volatile political landscape. His political party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), has launched a scathing condemnation of authorities, alleging that a critical cardiac test recommended by medical experts was deliberately withheld while he remains in custody.
The Missing Diagnostic Test
According to PTI Information Secretary Sheikh Waqas Akram, a cardiologist at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) had recommended a CT coronary angiography on August 1, following reports of heart palpitations and fluctuating blood pressure. Despite this medical necessity, the test was not performed during Khan's hospital visit on August 20. Hospital officials reportedly cited a lack of equipment, a claim PTI vehemently denies, asserting that a functional CT scanner was available in the radiology department.
The discrepancy between medical recommendations and actual clinical execution in high-profile political cases often signals a breakdown of institutional neutrality.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this incident transcends simple administrative error. It touches upon the intersection of judicial mandates and executive discretion. The dispute centers on a Supreme Court directive that ordered Khan to be treated at Shifa International Hospital, a private facility, to ensure specialized care. By opting for the state-run PIMS instead, the government has drawn intense scrutiny regarding its compliance with the highest court in the land.
Conflicting Narratives: Government vs. PTI
The government maintains a different stance. Information Minister Attaullah Tarar stated that a multi-disciplinary team of doctors, including a cardiologist and an ophthalmologist, examined Khan and declared him medically fit for custody. Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar further argued that as a convicted prisoner, Khan should receive treatment at public facilities under existing laws. However, Khan's sister, Uzma Khan, has challenged these claims, noting the confusing nature of his midnight transfers and the deviation from the Supreme Court's specific instructions.
Historical Context of Khan's Health
Imran Khan's health has been a recurring theme in his legal battles. Since early 2024, reports of vision issues, specifically right central retinal vein occlusion, have highlighted the precarious nature of his medical supervision in jail. The current cardiac controversy adds a layer of urgency to the ongoing debate over his human rights and right to adequate healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What specific test is PTI demanding for Imran Khan?
The party is demanding a CT coronary angiography to be conducted by independent specialists at Shifa International Hospital.
2. Has the government responded to the allegations?
Yes, the government has stated that Khan was examined by qualified doctors and found fit to remain in jail.