A medical report submitted to the Supreme Court has raised concerns over PTI founder Imran Khan’s fluctuating blood pressure, with a consultant recommending increased contact with his family and greater access to reading material to help reduce stress.
The report, submitted on Monday by the Adiala Jail superintendent, contains a summary of medical consultations and examinations conducted during Imran’s incarceration. It comes ahead of a Supreme Court hearing on his request to receive treatment at Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad.
According to the report, Imran was examined on August 1 by PIMS consultant cardiologist Prof Dr Akhtar Ali Bandeshah after experiencing uncontrolled and fluctuating blood pressure accompanied by palpitations, headaches and restlessness.
The report said Imran attributed some of his stress to infrequent meetings with his wife, family members and associates, as well as limited access to newspapers, television and other material.
During the examination, his blood pressure was recorded at 140/100 mm Hg, while his pulse was 50 beats per minute. His chest examination was clear. The ECG contained some electrical interference but reportedly showed normal QRS complexes and no significant abnormalities.
The consultant recommended measures aimed at reducing psychological stress, including allowing Imran more frequent meetings with his wife and providing him with additional reading material.
The report was filed a day before the Supreme Court was due to consider Imran’s request for treatment at Shifa International Hospital.
Concerns about his health had previously reached the court in February, when a report prepared by Barrister Salman Safdar said Imran had reported that his right eye was functioning at only 15% capacity. The Supreme Court subsequently ordered that he be given access to his personal physicians at Adiala Jail.