A quick scan shows (at least in the first page of this thread) that some people are equating the modern day semi freedoms on television as 'liberalism'. Of course that's not--even though I still welcome some 'opening'--some kind of 'loosening of morals'. And that's because, since Zia ul Haq, Pakistani society had drifted so far to the Right that television in the 80's--while produced great dramas--felt so suffocating at the same time. Imagine Zia trying to force female news casters from putting on make up?! Or covering up the PIA air hostesses?! The ladies refused!
The 70's (and before) were the glorious days. Truly liberal as far as an Islamic society goes. Not vulgar. But tolerant of dissent. Co-existence with minorities. Karachi's bazars were full of women in Shalwar Qameez with tiny Dupattas AND there were also burqahs. My 9th grade teacher and the head mistress wore skirts. I have witnessed some Goris in bikini at Hawkes Bay.
We were still taught that 'Pakistan Islam ka Qila Hey' (Pakistan is the Fortress of Islam). We cheered for Mohammad Ali in his boxing contests. We cheered for one of the Bholu Brothers in fight against the Japanese A. Inoki. I witnessed ZAB kissing various Muslim leaders in the Lahore Summit; the nation was so charged then. And we Sunni kids had no fear of Shias or vice versa despite occasional clashes between them during Muharram.
We kids saw people drinking beers around Karachi hotel's swimming pools with Westerners too enjoying without any fear. We saw actor Shakeel and Mohd. Ali Shehki walking the streets of Karachi. all the time. Heck, Shakeel, I think, was so poor then that he would wait for a public bus near our house. He was famous even then--remember: 'Uncle Urfi'?
Ahh, I know some of it can be called 'nostalgia' but really things were better. I don't want to be a child or even a teen ager ever again. But what was good then--was really good. A tolerant Pakistan.
One more thing to add: While showing a bit of skin, mujra, or some flamboyant TV shows are certainly not signs of 'liberalism' in a political sense they are INDEED signs of a society which is tolerant of 'the other'.