re: To better understand the Pakistani psyche
firstly, most of the people you say have been convicted were either never convicted or even if they were convicted, the trial proceedings were shady to the least. go look up how that scum Qayyum convicted BB and Zardari. that toad’s character (or lack of it) is worthy of being recorded in history in bold letters for his sheer lack of shame and self respect.
but that’s not why people support them. the reason why I support them is because they head large political parties. I understand you hate Zardari (I’m not a fan of the person either) but what do you think would seriously happen if he was removed or God forbid killed? what would happen to the PPP? and if the PPP falls apart, what would be the impact on Pakistan? the impact on Sindh? anarchy… the PPP is the only party that has the reach of credibility among these parties to better the relations between Balochistan and the federation.
similarly, what would happen in Punjab if NS or SS were removed? did you see the protests that took place when Shahbaz’s govt was dismissed? and the ppl who showed up to the protests weren’t bussed in for money like they used to be in Musharraf’s time.
point is that there are ppl who believe in them. a lot of people who think that these parties and their leaders represent them and their voice… depriving these people of their voice would cause a lot of damage to the country, imo.
on a personal note, the performance of these parties is obviously not optimal. but I think that they do a much better job than they get credit for. and these parties are essential for the survival of the country.