Last year in February 2015, a group of activists, including myself, were arrested outside the CM House in Karachi for protesting against terrorism.
A year later, another activist, Alamgir Khan was arrested from the same place. This time for protesting against mismanagement of waste disposal in Karachi.
From terrorism to waste management, the Sindh government has failed utterly to address the myriad issues plaguing the citizens of Karachi.
The two arrests, albeit at different periods in time, is reflective of how it refuses to wake up from its slumber, and, despite its so-called progressive manifesto, finds it convenient to use state oppression and authority to silence those who remind it of its job.
While I do not know Alamgir Khan personally, I am aware of his work. A young educated man, he has dedicated time and put his reputation on the line for raising awareness about open manholes — an issue that poses a threat to millions of motorists and pedestrians daily.
Championing the cause has earned him severe criticism, much of it unwarranted, and at best, the product of resentful minds.
Take a look: 'Fix it' is not going to fix Pakistan
Being a senior office holder of the Insaf Student Federation (ISF), Alamgir does not hide his support for Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) — the party that he represents.
His Twitter handle contains the acronym “PTI”. Those who follow my commentary know that I am not a big fan of most of PTI’s policies.
But is it fair to mar someone's good work because of their political affiliation?
If anything, I am glad that a mainstream party like the PTI has proactive citizens like Alamgir within its ranks.
And I can only hope that the APMSO, IJT and PSF also produce similar members who dedicate their time for causes important to the people of Pakistan.
Additionally, Alamgir's detractors say that he only targets the Sindh CM, deeming it a conspiracy on his part. His critics should know that being an ISF member, he would have no qualms criticising a mayor belonging to another rival party such as the MQM.
In fact, Karachi in recent years has been at the epicentre of a bitter PTI-MQM rivalry, with the PPP being virtually non-existent during the recent by-elections.
The CM remains the 'target' then because if one followed the legislative amendments taking place in Sindh, such as the Sindh Local Government Act, 2013, one would realise that the two main departments responsible for waste collection and disposal in Karachi, KMC and DMC, directly report to Chief Minister Qaim Ali Shah, via the Local Bodies Minister Jam Khan Shoro.
Examine: Harassing an activist
Those calling Alamgir's activism a publicity stunt also call his approach to problems naive and not well-thought out.
What is naive about picking up trash and covering gutters across Karachi? In fact, in doing so, Alamgir is reminding us all to respect those who do toil through foul smell and several diseases to clean the mess we create.
In a country where most yearn for saviours to come and solve their problems, it's disconcerting to see how people still find it hard to acknowledge someone who has been doing good work.
We need people like Alamgir who can deliver even without holding public office.
I, for one, would gladly watch prime time TV and listen to people like Alamgir than Asif Zardari, Nawaz Sharif, Altaf Hussain and Imran Khan who keep defending their parties’ shortcomings rather than making any sincere efforts to fix them.
I do not know what Alamgir will do tomorrow; maybe he will go on to do greater things for which he took the initiative himself or maybe he will disappoint and falter, the chances of which could increase if we do not support and guide him and others like him.
Since I started political activism, three years ago, I've had people label me an intelligence agent, a political party agent, a sympathiser of certain sects and a publicity stunt among others. Being at the receiving end of intense criticism for taking up causes, I can empathise with Alamgir and understand the odds that he is pitted against.
Admittedly, it's not easy. I have managed to come this far mostly with the support of those who want to bring about a change in the country and I hope for the same support for Alamgir.
Lastly, to the leaders of this country, partnering with young Pakistani activists will only help your cause, that is, if your cause also benefits Pakistan.
Does it?