7. (C) Comment: Gillani is a charismatic leader with strong popular support, particularly in the southern Punjab and parts of northern Sindh. Following his release from prison in late 2006, Gillani attempted to reassert himself as leader of the PPP's Punjab party, launching a well-received and well-publicized speaking tour of the province. Benazir Bhutto, who strongly resented Gillani's rising popularity, attempted to undermine his attempts at provincial leadership by appointing his political and spiritual rival from Multan, Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi, as the party's Punjab President. Gillani, who was strongly offended by the move, opened ultimately unsuccessful negotiations with the PML on a possible defection.