Jailed Pakistan ex-PM Imran Khan taken to hospital for treatment

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan has been taken to a hospital in the capital, Islamabad, following complaints about his poor health.

Khan was taken from Adiala jail and sent to Shifa International Hospital under heavy security, local media report.

The move complied with a ruling by a three-judge panel of the Supreme Court which had ordered that the cricketer-turned-politician be taken to the hospital within 48 hours to be examined by physicians.

Khan has been imprisoned since 2023 on corruption charges, which he says were politically motivated.

The 73-year-old's lawyers have said he's suffering from various health conditions, including poor eyesight, and has been unable to access specialist medical care.

In February, Khan's lawyer said his client had 15% vision left in his right eye after prison authorities failed to take action - an allegation the government disputed.

In Tuesday's court order, the panel wrote: "We are mindful of the constitutional and legal obligation... to safeguard the life, health, dignity and security of the prisoner."

Judges said an eye specialist would be involved in Khan's hospital treatment.