When asked of what CBMS — confidence-building measures — the establishment could take to demonstrate its neutrality or apolitical stance, Imran said that the “biggest step would be remove those who “reached the heights of cruelty”.

“The manner in which they committed cruelties against us in seven months […] Shahbaz Gill and Azam Swati named names. They named ‘Dirty Harry’. And Arshad Sharif. We all know who was passing the threats.

“For God’s sake, go along with the Constitution. Do whatever you want within the ambit of the law and Constitution. All these extrajudicial acts — picking up people and beating them up, stripping them, making videos…”

“Look, institutions earn their respect through their actions. For a new beginning, at the very least remove those people, those who reached the heights of cruelty. And everyone knows who they are.”