{
  "id": 3238583,
  "title": "Pims says its CT machine 'remains functional' following reports of failure to conduct Imran's heart scan",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/pims-says-its-ct-machine-remains-functional-following-reports-of-3238583",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-25T09:36:56.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Dawn - Pakistan",
    "slug": "dawn-pakistan",
    "url": "https://www.dawn.com/news/2025207/pims-says-its-ct-machine-remains-functional-following-reports-of-failure-to-conduct-imrans-heart-scan"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Islamabad, Pakistan - Amidst rumors that jailed PTI leader Imran Khan was denied a heart scan during a hospital visit last week, the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) announced on Tuesday that its CT machine remains fully operational and continues to provide diagnostic services. Upon Imran's arrival at Pims for an eye procedure and various diagnostic tests, doctors suggested a CT coronary angiography (CTA), yet hospital staff claimed the facility was inaccessible. Post additional examinations, Imran was transferred back to Adiala Jail without the CTA, which aids in detecting coronary blockages and assessing heart attack risk. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif took note of the non-functional CTA at Pims and formed an inquiry committee to investigate the matter. Sources alleged to Dawn indicated that the hospital's conventional angiography and the CTA differed, with CTA being conducted via a CT scanner. The Pims administration affirmed in a statement that the installed CT machine, operational since 2022, remains functional and continues supporting diagnostic services. They further stated that imaging investigations are carried out based on clinical assessment, specialist advice, patient safety, and medical protocols. The statement urged against unnecessary interpretation of a specific imaging procedure. A senior Pims doctor, speaking anonymously, revealed that roughly a dozen CTA scans had been performed prior to the released statement. Following the initial reports, PTI reissued its demand for Imran to be transferred to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad without delay, a request endorsed by the Supreme Court on August 18. Sheikh Waqas Akram, PTI Information Secretary, cited court-submitted details, highlighting that a government-constituted medical board examined Imran on August 10 and a Pims cardiologist had already recommended the CTA on August 1 owing to Imran's fluctuating blood pressure, palpitations, headaches, restlessness, and potential cardiac complications due to his age and prolonged isolation. PTI officials argued that the procedure was not carried out at Pims despite the presence of a functional CT scanner in the radiology department capable of conducting the test.",
  "summary": "ISLAMABAD: Following reports that jailed PTI founder Imran Khan could not undergo a heart scan during a visit to the hospital last week, the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (Pims) said on Tuesday that its CT machine “remains functional and continues to support diagnostic services”. When Imran was brought to Pims last week for an eye procedure and other diagnostic examinations, doctors…",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Business Recorder",
        "title": "SC registrar returns PTI’s contempt plea over Imran Khan’s transfer to PIMS",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/sc-registrar-returns-ptis-contempt-plea-over-imran-khans-transfer-to",
        "published": "2026-08-25T07:35:34.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Dawn",
        "title": "Pims says its CT machine 'remains functional' following reports of failure to conduct Imran's heart scan",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/25/pims-says-its-ct-machine-remains-functional-following-reports-of",
        "published": "2026-08-25T09:36:56.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}