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

BREAKING: Jailed former Pakistan PM Imran Khan taken from Adiala jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad under heavy security for treatment, his party says.

Imran Khan is out of his cell and in a hospital bed tonight.

Pakistan's jailed former prime minister was moved from Adiala jail to Shifa International Hospital in Islamabad, his party says, and this is the man himself, still the biggest name in Pakistani politics at 73.

The Supreme Court ordered it, giving authorities 48 hours to get him examined by doctors. His lawyers say his health has been failing behind bars, and back in February they claimed he had just 15 percent vision left in his right eye. The court also said he can finally see his family, something he hasn't done in months.

Security around the hospital is heavy, streets sealed, armoured vehicles patrolling, and you can see the police presence here. Judges warned supporters not to gather, and told his party not to hold press conferences outside.

This is the most significant relief the courts have given Khan since 2023. The question everyone in Islamabad is asking is whether it's medical, or the start of something bigger.

This is Sara White, reporting for HIT.