One cannot class PPP and PML-N into black and white political categories. They will make alliances with any political party, providing they hold onto power and their perks and privileges.
Pakistan is a naturally conservative country. I don't think anyone can deny Pakistan's religious clergy is very powerful. It is somewhat ironic that the religious right portray themselves as victims under the cruel liberal regime and its supporters
Everybody knows all the religious parties such as JI, JUI-F have to do is invoke the name of God and the masses flock to the street. If the 'liberal elite' were that powerful then these people wouldn't even be allowed to go onto the streets. The reality is that the ruling elite, are not liberal or conservative, but are in bed with anyone, of any political background, in order to cling onto a few more years of office. Zardari called the PML-Q a qaatil league (http://www.dailytimes.com.pk/default.asp?page=2007\12\31\story_31-12-2007_pg1_2), now the PPP has a parliamentary alliance with them. This is the politics of convenience, not of ideology.
However liberals seem to think Westernisation is a solution to everything. I live in the West and the consumer society here is disgusting. No traditional values are being instilled in families, the idea of God or religion is laughed at and sex, drugs and music promoting womanising, alcohol and filth are abundant.
Nevertheless, this perpetual argument that has raged on for the past 60 years in Pakistan, whether we should have 'Islamic Khalifate', or a Westernised nation is tiresome.
We are in the position we are and should aim to progress as a nation first before having the discussion of whether someone should have a beard of a particular length etc.
The government cannot feed or clothe the masses and yet such discussions are taking place in the public domain - is someone a kafir or not, is he pious or a non-believer - if people think that is their major concern in life, then no wonder they are in the situation they are in !
