Addressing media representatives at the Karachi Press Club (KPC), Rabbani emphasised the merits of federal democracy as mentioned in the Constitution.

Rabbani said a dictatorship does not recognise the core principle of federal democracy, which is "unity through diversity", or the multi-ethnic complexion of our society, and imposes a unitary structure that leads to fragmentation.

"A democratic system encourages dialogue, debate, accommodation, tolerance and confines conflict by providing mechanisms and institutions under the law," the PPP leader said.

According to Rabbani, much damage had already been inflicted to the Constitution, state institutions and laws.

"Corruption, nepotism, sectarianism, lawlessness, crime, drug abuse, economic disparity and economic mismanagement have all made it difficult for the common man to earn his daily living."

"The democratic system in Pakistan may not have come without flaws, it may be sluggish with a smack of bad governance, yet let there be no misconception," Rabbani said, adding that Pakistan must surmount and move forward.