This is not Saturday night at a club in New York, London or Paris. It is the secret side of Pakistan, a Muslim nation often described in the West as a land of bearded, Islamic hardmen and repressed, veiled women.
Pakistan was created out of Muslim-majority areas in colonial India 65 years ago, and for decades portrayed itself as a progressive Islamic nation.
Starting in the 1980s, however, it has been drifting towards a more conservative interpretation of Islam that has reshaped the political landscape, fuelled militancy and cowed champions of tolerance into silence.
But the country remains home to a large wealthy and Westernised elite that, in private, lives very differently.
Every weekend, fashion designers, photographers, medical students and businessmen gather at dozens of parties in Islamabad, Karachi and Lahore to push social boundaries in discreet surroundings that would horrify, and enrage, advocates of the stricter brand of Islam.
"This is just epic," said Numair Shahzada, bobbing his head to the beat at a party in a farmhouse outside Islamabad as fitness instructors moonlighting as bouncers looked on. "The light and smoke show is phenomenal."
Young men and women mix freely, dancing, talking or drinking. Some curl up together in quiet areas.
Although alcohol is prohibited in the country, many have brought their own liquor. Whisky is carried in paper bags and vodka is disguised in water bottles arranged along the dance floor.
The party-goers form only a tiny minority of the country's 180 million people, but overall, Pakistan is not repressive. Women can drive, are enrolled in universities and have played prominent roles in politics. Unmarried men and women can interact without risking the wrath of religious police.
People from its most populous province, Punjab, are renowned for their exuberance.
But a conservative form of Islam is chipping away at the tolerance.
A few hours drive from Islamabad's party circuit, parts of remote tribal regions have fallen under the sway of hardline Taliban militants, who dream of toppling the government and creating a society where revellers would face flogging, or worse.
"Men and women who dance together are damned by God. Whenever we see such displays of vulgarity we will definitely make them a target," said a senior Taliban commander.
News reports have said a tribal council in a village near the Afghanistan border ordered four women killed earlier this year for clapping and singing as men danced at a wedding. The Supreme Court has ordered an investigation, but there have been no further details.
Creeping conservatism
While the vast majority of Pakistanis abhor the Taliban's violence, there are many who share their belief that Islam should be Pakistan's guiding force. Religious parties, which do poorly at the polls but exert considerable sway over public debate, believe Islam should govern all spheres of life.
"It's so messed up," said Myra, a 23-year-old Pakistani who has dyed her hair reddish-brown.
"You see the servants and the drivers at the parties watching you and you wonder what kind of a person they think you are."
To avoid prying eyes, the kind of alcohol-fuelled blow-outs enjoyed by Myra and her friends are held in lonely farm-houses in the outskirts of Islamabad and other cities, or in affluent neighbourhoods behind high walls. Organisers charge on average a $60 entry fee, an amount most Pakistanis earn in a month.
Rafia, petite with long, black hair and wearing tight jeans and a low-cut black blouse, is a regular on the party scene.
She frowns on women who carry secret cell phones unmonitored by their parents and wear revealing outfits under conservative dress that come off before getting on the dance floor.
"You can either be God-fearing or you can party," she said, taking a drag on a marijuana joint at a recent rave.
"I don't pray regularly and I usually stick to my fast. But at the end of the day, I don't say I am a very religious person."
Not everyone agrees.
Bina, 40, an attractive fashion designer, showcases nude paintings and topless male models in shows. She also wears a silver pendant engraved with a verse from the Quran
"People think I am shameless but I am actually very religious," she said at her studio, peppering her sentences with "jaani", Urdu for darling, while chain smoking.
"My faith is very strong. But everything I do is between my God and me."
Lonely liberals
Conservatism began sweeping through Pakistan during the military dictatorship of General Mohammad Zia ul-Haq in the 1980s under a drive to Islamize the state.
Zia's policies are widely blamed for a creeping culture of intolerance that has further isolated liberals.
In an incident that traumatised the elite, the governor of Punjab province, Salman Taseer, was assassinated by his own bodyguard last year for opposing harsh anti-blasphemy laws.
The reaction was almost more shocking to liberals than the murder itself. Clerics organised huge rallies to praise the killer. Even lawyers, once at the vanguard of Pakistan's democracy movement, showered him with rose petals.
In the growing climate of fear, the space for liberal voices is shrinking.
Pakistani rapper Adil Omar, who attends weekend parties, pokes fun of the Taliban and rising conservatism in his songs. But he never goes too far.
"A lot of people seem to be torn and seem to have an identity crisis," said Omar, who wears the traditional flowing shirt and baggy trousers. His elaborate forearm tattoo featuring a semi-naked woman and a unicorn has drawn fire on his Facebook page from some fans who see it as an offence to Islam.
"I am careful not to give any opinions regarding religion on the record," he said, adding: "I don't want some crazy person chopping off my head."
COMMENTS (158)
Your responsed in the Article your self . Qoute " The party-goers form only a tiny minority of the country’s 180 million people, but overall, Pakistan is not repressive. Women can drive, are enrolled in universities and have played prominent roles in politics. "
thus it is merely in percentage which donot even comes up to 1% .
Talibans killed 17 people who were attending a social gathering / party in Afghanistan this week. Please don't give too much information about these parties, some taliban type people read and comment here.
i am glad i am an Indian
at least I am not being judged for what I wear, what i drink (i don't booze or smoke though, my friends do and i think it is ok, but i dance like crazy and i sport a few tattoos)
I am not being judged on if i listen to music, if i dance, or if i friend a woman or a man
i don't need a cleric to tell me whether i can keep a dog, whether i should ask my friend his religion before allowing him to my birthday party ....or whether to throw a party at my home at all
Everyone has right to live with his own style, whats the problem with the writer. Everyone have right to enjoy there life and can do what ever he or she wants. Long live youngsters.
100 % agree with you boos @Syed Arbab Ahmed: , two wrong doesn't make one right
If secularism or liberalism means turning into filthy pigs, who wants to live life the way they like, means without morals or values or meaning of Islamic practices is the way Taliban or sharia of big stomach molanah fazul-Rehman.They need complete over hauling of understanding, you can’t copy west in his filth and immoralities and call yourself enlight modrate or open minded. You can’t see molanah fazulu and translate it as Islam, when his stomach is wider then zardari. Muslim got to see the difference in their opinion or action that, are they turning into western poop by copying or extremist, who are not tolerant to others opinion.
Parties like this are a little bit over the top.I am not sure the party goers will return home in a happy state of mind or with any satisfaction.I am sure there are other means of enjoyment which one will find much enjoyable and satisfying.
@NumairShahzada:
I came to add my views on what went down with this article but just about everywhere here has got the right idea. But just to add a few points here. I was NOT interviewed at a party. I met the writer at Mocca Coffee. I was most definitely NOT bobbing my head either. Most of her information is based on made up facts of her own. The party in the image was a recently held Rave in Islamabad. This journalist wasn't even there and it really wasn't this tacky! In fact it was actually EPIC beyond proportions! Not what she's elaborated on here.. Is this really what is to be expected from Reuters? This woman should be held accountable.
Cheer guys.
After the amazing success of BYOB* at all parties, my message to the reporter: MYOB - MindYourOwnBusiness.
*for those who don't know, its best you keep it that way.
I'd care less for such people who waste themselves in such parties & have zero implication on Pakistan, we should better concentrate on how to build a better society instead of pointing out these wasted bunch of people out of 180 million. It would be much wiser to talk about the 180 million instead of few dozens of elites :) I have no objection on what these people do in private parties, let them waste their parents money & their life :) Peace out
Why must they represent? The article never said that.. The 10% and 90% can decide fir themselves respectively @Farrukh:
@rimsha: Do they have the courage to decry the killing of Ahmadis and Shia? Do they have the courage to stand for a 11 year old Xian girl? Do they raise their voice for the 100s of Hindus who migrated to India? Do they not discriminate against other sects or religions?
The hoopla surrounding this report is both compelling and ironic. People are gloating over this news item as great new advancement, and others with medieval stamp of mind are squirming with resentment and jealousy. And it is in that progressives are celebrating a small stray phenomenon as great victory of liberalism. On the contrary , tolerance and liberalism have always been a part of our culture and history until the partition, when the ideology took over. Before independence, in Lahore, as in other large cities of India, a relaxed, multicultural and culturally pulsating life existed. Khushwant Singh’s autobiography, ‘Truth , Love and a Little Malice’ and KK Aziz’s ‘ Coffee House of Lahore’ offer substantial account of that rich life. However a difference remains. In those days, the liberal, tolerant atmosphere was inspired by culture , intellectualism, religious freedom and sobriety. This very underground party denotes debauchery, and an urge to make the most of the moment as well as the money spent. During the British Raj, in Lahore three magnificent, restaurants existed. Metro, Lorangs, and Stiffles. KK Aziz says , ” At the corner of the present-day WAPDA house, facing the assembly chambers, “where tea was served alfresco and Miss Angela did her cabaret show. In the two hall-size rooms of the Shah Din Building was the Lorangs, the finest restaurant in the town, patronized by the elite. Near it stood the Stiffles where the guests dined in the dinner jackets, danced in the evening, and lunched with their friends in as English an ambiance as could be conceived .” In two foremost clubs of Lahore, Gymkhana and Cosmopolitan alcohol was freely consumed, men and women would swim and play tennis together, and dance parties were held. Khushwant Singh in his autobiography gives a detailed account of the social life of Lahore of that time. We learn how people from all religions, Mulsim, Sikhs, Parsi, and Hindus would pay visit to each others, homes, throw parties, and men and women would interact without fear of persecution. Mangat Rai was an ex- ICS officer, then posted in Lahore, Mr Singh tells us about an incident when Mangat Rai gave ride to a girl who was alone in a railway station, on his bicycle to drop her home. She preferred to sit on the front rod instead at the back of the cycle. They both hit it off and she ended up being in his apartment in sheer intimacy. Mr. Rai related this event to Khushwant’s wife of whom he (Mangat) was enamored in those days. The folks enjoying the party under discussion will live a very different life as soon as they are out of it. They will pretend a facade of puritanism while coursing through their lives in different avenues of Pakistani society. The sheer dissimulation takes its toll. You get a personality that is split against itself. You become obsessed with ” having fun”, it in itself takes its toll on your capacity to do sustained work. By the way, is not is another evidence that partition did harm to us? Had we been united, had we been living together with Hindus and Sikhs, our lives would have been more normal, with more chances of joy and fun in our lives. However, on balance, I congratulate these scattered few intrepid souls who are upholding the standard of normal life in Pakistan. I hope this tendency will spread to middle classes too. And Pakistan will become a more livable, decent place to live our lives, and expatriates like us in the west will not be forced to quit the country.
I am totally against these wannabes who are trying to embrace the western culture but if u think about it..at least they are not killing innocent people. Who knows they are God's favorite people! Partying and not being modest are obviously sins but I am sure they are not as big as killing someone or bringing tears to somebody's eyes!
the article is extremely biased and clearly written with a negative intent while I agree with most of the content, it is the manner of presentation which makes it an instigatory piece. One can surely point out to parties all over the world which described in the manner of the article will instigate many in their respective countries. for e.g I was in a party in New york very recently where cocaine was being served in lounges to the guests in abundance, when did cocaine become legal in america? can the author clarify? the parties and receptions well attended by politicians and senior government office holders in US, UK and many Islamic countries including Malaysia, turkey, UAE and even Saudi Arabia are far more elaborate where alcohol and drugs like Cocaine, extacy and LSD are served by semi clad women. As a point of information the biggest consumption of Black label on a country basis is The UAE. Be as it may the freedom to humanity within the confined of the four walls are basic human rights, an article defiyng such rights and instigating hate should be edited responsibly. Just as one does not talk about the wrong religious practices being practiced by many in the privacy of their homes, does one talk about extremism, fundamentalism, cultism, idol worship etc being practiced by many all over the globe may it be US, Germany or Australia? Needless to say as i recall it is illegal for girls to take drugs or to be in an illegitimate relationship in the UK and US. Has the author seen television programs such as MTV grind ever?? needless to point out what Pakistanis do on their parties is their personal matter and all with harmless intent. We should teach them, educate them, and respect their way of life, doesn't this sound more responsible.
Partying should be allowed, here. When one is relieved of bodily desires, he can think cleary and work better and be more productive.
Someone please tell how to enter these parties? I've range rover and would like to dance only....
60 Dollars Entry Fee !! Thats More than Enuf for me .. Any Installment Package ??
""""How are these smokers/drinkers/fornicators liberal? How do you call them as liberal?
I am not against them. I don’t care what they do, as long as they don’t disturb my peace. However, how are they liberal?
Let me ask you these questions : Do they have the courage to decry the killing of Ahmadis and Shia? Do they have the courage to stand for a 11 year old Xian girl? Do they raise their voice for the 100s of Hindus who migrated to India? Do they not discriminate against other sects or religions?
There’s a word for such people – hedonists. And possibly hypocrites. Because the same people, you will find, throwing rose petals on your Khadris, when your media flashes the cameras.""""
its a complete comment
and medical students? kidding right?
cosmetic liberals. when it comes to women higher education, jobs and marriage of their own choice these families show their true cultural conservativeness.
I have no issue with the article. Except for the fact that how come the author only include medical students in this category of Pakistani elites. Did he not find any other profession among the people he interviewed there.
@Hamza: Hey Hamza Dont u know doctors and med students are the only ones who actually know a lot of drugs?! For the rest, I will let ur imagination run wild! Doctors can get ur high without ur parents noticing it!!! Not that I care about these parties and Junkies. Have u heard about Bhang samosas,Pakoras(Even in Ramadan) and Charas Cake to which plenty of med students fell prey to in Hostels? No? But It happens for real !
any one who organizes underground party ?
@Concerned: "@gp65: @Awans: Since when was partying a political statement? Of course this isn’t liberalism – it’s just partying. Nightclubs and discos aren’t filled with hippies and the like, their are all sorts of people there – ‘good’ and ‘bad’. "
I was commenting on the article that described the party goers as liberal. My point was that there is nothing liberal about it. Partying is just that - partying. If further during partying people break laws (drink alcohol) and prevailing social norms (unmarried couples cuddling) then they can be described as hedonistic lawbreakers. I went onto describe what liberal actually means so that people do not confuse hedonism with liberalism.
While I am a teetotaller myself and far too old to enjoy such wild parties, I am not passing judgment stating that these should be stopped etc. as long as they do not hurt anyone else or get in their cars and drive while still drunk. But describing such behavior incorrectly as liberal leads to terms such as 'liberal extremist' etc.
It is very obvious that ET is romanticizing this western culture. These people are without a shadow of a doubt a tiny minority in Pakistan. You see people filling up mosques at a grand level not dance clubs. How many people show up at these clubs? And how many show up at mosques for maghrib prayers? Just do the math.
These liberals, as I always say, should be deported to a country of their choice. They are a dark spot on the honor of our great nation. Is India willing to take them? We will send them gladly. Hey, we'll even give them money to leave us alone.
Everyone will go his/her GRAVE and will give answers what they did in this world, cause ALLAH is looking all of us every second what we r doing.... If they spent life according to Hadees and Quran and sayings of Ahl e Bayt then they will get Heaven where they will get more FUN life than this...if they follow eveil in this world they will go in HELL where they will burn again n again in BLACK FIRE....ALLAH will give them Boiling water to drink and when they will drink it, it will burn their mouth & bodies from inside and then angels will put that boiled water on their bodies again n again...they were caught by their head hears n hanged in HELL...angels will give them pimples liquid to drink also....YA ALLAH save us from HELL,,,indeed its a bad place.... i studied a Islamic book about HELL, right now forget its name but its horrible to be in HELL. NO one can bear it...
I personally do not like this kind of thing - but then again on balance between this partying and stuff and Mullahs calling for the killing of innocents in the name of our religion Islam - I think we should focus on tackling Mullahs extremism that effects us all and the little nachagana a few kids are involved in that is simply their business and not anyone elses
ET yeh medical students ka kya chakar hai?
And anyway I don't have any desire to go to such parties but as long as a tiny amount of people doing them don't harm me ;I don't care.
@Rana Amjad: Money stolen from the people of Pakistan at work.
"Every weekend, fashion designers, photographers, medical students and businessmen" -
Medical students, lol......
Oh plz these are typical elitists and not majority of Pakistani's. I'd rather sit down with well-educated, decent and wise people then those from the two extremes. Why is it that the 80% in the middle never make Pakistan headlines??.
Please change the name of Pakistan from "Islamic Republic" to "Something else Republic"
Thank you very much.
@Muhammad Saleem Usmani: When I read comments such as yours, I thank Allah that judgement is reserved for Him. Is it impossible for you to tolerate another philosophy and lifestyle, to live with the choices of others? Or must all of us be restricted to one particular definition of what it means to be a 'good' person?
Don't judge a book by its cover. Live and let live - in case you haven't realized, this is among the most brutal countries to live in, partly due to our circumstances, and partly because of our rotten, 'holier-than-thou' behaviour.
The awkward moment when you read the same story (even the same pictures and title) on reuters before reading it here. Copying so shamelessly? http://uk.reuters.com/article/2012/08/21/uk-pakistan-partying-idUKLNE87K00R20120821
Drinking and religious at the same time...WOW.....a definition that only so called liberals can come up with. The entire party scence is an abhoring reminder of the filthy western influence and double talk.
They fast and drink and mingle with women and still claim that they are God fearing. Do they think they will tell Allah that what was happening was not their making and they were merely victims of a "harsh" society, just trying to do their best.
What hypocracy!
Hmm..
Not just Pakistan, everywhere in Muslim countries...
Its not the fault of the young generation if they incline towards such activities. This is what we see happening in the world, and Morals and Values are not praised in any mainstream setting.
Right now, the options presented to people are
Intolerant, Strict, Boring Adherance to a Ritualistic Religion vs a Pleasurable, Exciting, Freedom from all responsibilities.
I am sure, when Islam will be represented as a Peaceful, Intelligent, Moral, Adventurous and Praised religion, these same people will willingly want to take up a responsibility for Islam's sake. That shall become the "In-thing" to do. That shall be the pride.
It is none of nobody's business to worry what people do privately with their lives. Better to spend free time having fun then sit somewhere and plan how to destroy peaceful lives of others for whatever reasons.
This "Reuter" was evidently at the party - enjoying him/her self. And so what if people are dancing and enjoying a good night out? and please don't for a second think that the "Westernized Elite" are the only ones enjoying a drink and dance. You should step in to the other side of Pakistan as well - there are multiple stratas in our society who drink, dance, attend mujras, just not in the capacity of your camera and/or opinion.
There is only one life, enjoy it.
@gp65: @Awans: Since when was partying a political statement? Of course this isn't liberalism - it's just partying. Nightclubs and discos aren't filled with hippies and the like, their are all sorts of people there - 'good' and 'bad'.
this message is not to point out flaws; its very simple..... FIRSTLY, DO NOT CATEGORIZE YOURSELF IN ANY RELIGION AND THEN ASK YOURSELF:
Does anyone want their sisters being in such an environment? Whether in US, UK or wherever. SUCCESSFUL marriages are formed thru intellectual gatherings and many other ways, PLEASE, a club/night life is not where home makers are bred.
Despite parties, clubs and such environments, the actual business model (which is the base of every event) is to promote ????? Why dont they make a night club for JUST men(not a gay bar) but have famous DJ's like Tiesto spin at ONLY AN ALL MALE event? or have a all women club?
Final question, please dont take this offensively, whether you belive in a god or not ---- WHAT benefit does escaping reality bring in causing harm to yourself using alcohol and drugs?
List item
What a relief after reading this article. There is still hope left for Pakistan as there are people who are normal after and like to have fun :)
Karachi is ranked 5th among the worst cities in the world to live. The latest report from the Economist Intelligence Unit has ranked worst cities in the world to live in. The annual survey of 140 cities uses more than 30 factors to gauge the state of healthcare, education, infrastructure, stability, culture and environment.
just one word ... "escapade", thats all what it is ...
a tiny self obcessed segment of society craving for approval of its pseudo consumerism ... (while trying to convince, rather befool itself into believing that it doesnt give a damn about society's aporoval) ...
Doesn't get any better or worse with this article published, wouldn't have been any different had the article not been published ... so irrelevant and so oblivious of much bigger issues around the corner, such an apologetic denial ...
find it hard to understand if they really have any "original" identity to identify themselves with, other than a borrowed rather copy cat lifestyle, living which they are alienated from the diaspora around, and for which they are so desparate to earn a validation ...
like it or not but we humans are social animals ... and instinctively we cannot live isolated on islands of existence ... no matter how hard or how frequent they shrug off their shoulders as if they dont care what rest "non liberal" society thinks about them, the denial in itself endorses the underlying pursuit of a nod of approval of the so called non liberal society mass ...
@bharat: Very much true.
Libral's and Consevatives both are on Extreme's i don't wanna be like any of them.....i think libral word for them is wrong rather than Frustrated and attention lacking children whom parents prefer going to party's and dinner's throwing children to servants in the end children start drinking alcohol and party and try to find love and affection in the other's which their parents failed to give....My view's are libral and hate these molana thinking than any other, but am also not jusifying these so called LIBRALS ....
What hasn't pushed limits? A young christian girl is being chased by so called Muslim fanatics on hunches. Blasphemy law has pushed the boundaries but no one cares to write about that. It's sad to see the focus on 'Islamabad Partying' when there are 'REAL' issues that need handling.
“You see the servants and the drivers at the parties watching you and you wonder what kind of a person they think you are.”
Dear Miss Little Rich Kid, What do you think? Do you think they think you are kind hearted, concerned, hard working, responsible, generous, courageous, nice, respectful, empathetic, helpful????? I think not .....the type of person they think you are cannot be expressed in the public domain.
@all: you know those mulla they do not want happness for them self and they do not like ant body see happy. so guys P A R T Y H A R S.
May be some one should explain to the Mullahs as to where did belly dance began and why it is still popular there. Old adage, the more you ban the more the stuff goes underground. Sufis always danced like crazy dervishes to be with god.
Desi people misunderstand the concept of liberalism and westernization. Engaging in wanton behavior and depravity is deemed liberal and progressive by these so called fake liberals. Most Muslims just don't know how to reconcile modernity with antiquity and their societies are a reflection of this cognitive dissonance.
Muslims ostracize each other by joining the ranks of the so called liberals and conservatives creating a schism, which leads to conflict. There is no middle ground and diversity is nonexistent.
such a useless article...
They are all RAW+CIA+MOSSAD agents disguised as party goers! Conspiracies against Pakistan & Islam.
@Ata ur Rehman: In news publishing, there are syndicates which allow you to reprint news with due reference.
At least, they are not planning underground attacks.
i think if someone is doing something in closed enviromnent then no one should have any issue. neighbours and surroundings should not be disturbed. yes we are a islamic state but we do not follow islamic law, bring islamic law then you can close down these dance parties and wine shops which are on corner of every road. i have been educated in west and i very much know my limits and difference in good or bad.
plus, be good to the country you live in, make it a better place for all, have a positive approach about Pakistan. there are 1000's of good thiings going on please market those, this country is not about dance parties, terror, target killing, mobile snataching etc etc. Plz be positive and market positive.
Love Pakistan or Leave Pakistan................
a sin remains a Sin , no matter how you justify it ! simple
@Asjad Khan:
Well if I remember corrected, a few days later that same NGO lady ...farzana bari or something who had visited those girls cast doubts about the authenticity of the girls she was introduced to. I wonder what happened to those poor girls!
If Mr. Munawar Hassan (current leader of Jamat-e-Islami) could be a rock star in his youth then Ballay Ballay, these parties are factory to create pious muslims.
why spending money on these parties. these grown up, rich men and women have to spend mony in live saving organizations for poor people. how selfish these party poopers are, why they dont care of their poor and deprived fellow citizens.
Let them sing and dance if they so desire. Elasticity, Basic need of Human (if more act for nothing as a result more happened )
what's new about this article ? :s
Both Conservatives and Liberal are the extremists.One group kills the people mentally while the other kills physically .
Why am I, or anybody else, supposed to care about this?
It's their money, their bodies. They can sing, dance, wear miniskirts at their own party places...it is nobody's business. Unless they're pouring booze down my throat, it really doesn't concern me.
thanx God there are sane people who noted the major flaws in the above text. ET itself is an extremist organization. They don't know the meaning of being liberal. Liberal means do what ever you want to do while letting others do what they are doing and not poking your nose in every ones' business. Drinking, dating, dancing, cuddling and kissing, it's not liberalism. I mean if someone doesn't party at night and doesn't perform all these acts, is he a non-liberal?? Likewise, if you want to wear a tight jeans and a low cut blouse, wear it, you don't need to tell other how pathetic girls with un-revealing dresses look alike. This article is not a complete BS, but I won't call it a free of BS words.
@mr. righty rightist: You said exactly what I feel.
The definition of tolerance and being liberal has been grossly distorted. If you indulge in activities that are banned, that does not make you tolerant, it simply makes you a hedonistic lawbreaker. Tolerance is when you accept that others may do things that you would choose not to do yourself. Likewise cuddling up with opposite gender is not a sign of liberalism - just simple jawaani ka josh which is as old as the hills - nothing modern about it. Liberalism is speaking up for the rights of those that are different from you. a person in hijaab who speaks up for the rights of someone to wear a short skirt or vice-versa is liberal. A person who is straight but supports gay rights is liberal. A Sunni who speaks up for Hindus or Ahmadis' right to worship is a liberal. a Baloch who speaks up for the rights of Punjabi settlers is liberal. A mohajir who stands up against injustice to Pakhtoons in Karachi is liberal.
Also what you described above is not a party but a club if it charges entrance of upto $60 per night.