Pakistan People's Party leader Makhdoom Shahabuddin has emerged as a strong contender for the post of the premier, after the Supreme Court disqualified Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani following his conviction for contempt of court. Shahabuddin, who belongs to the Seraiki belt in the southern part of Punjab province, has held several portfolios in Gilani's cabinet since 2008. PPP insiders told PTI that Shahabuddin and former Defence Minister Chaudhry Ahmed Mukhtar were both being considered for the post of premier.