Yeah, I agree. So many people in the West seem completely unable to make this distinction.
Of course, some also argue that it is a fallacy to separate the two, since religion and culture are so intertwined. They would argue that religion is so dominant in a country like Pakistan that it is unlikely to not be somehow connected to such practices. Quite frankly I wouldn't be surprised if local clerics generally approve of it. For example, on forced marriages, the following argument could be made: Islam does not allow to unmarried women and men to socialize -> It thus becomes the responsibility of a third party to 'match' the two, usually this task falls upon the parents -> So the parents of both boy and girl start to make arrangements -> This might lead to at best social pressure and at worst downright force on those whose marriage is being arranged. In short, the basic rules in Islam create a situation which empowers the parents and neglects the wishes of the individuals who are being married.
It's a bit like with rape in Western countries. Of course rape is not accepted to those with a secular liberal mindset and values, but nevertheless - as Muslims are so good at pointing out - it becomes more likely when these values are central in society.
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