BALOCHISTAN's new Chief Minister Nawab Aslam Raisani shows great promise. His proposal on Wednesday to find a political solution to the problem of militancy while calling for an end to the military operation chimes in with the wishes of the people who recently gave their mandate to progressive parties and thus refuted the popular theory branding them as extremists and miscreants. The suggestion by the CM is indeed welcome. The stance was adopted by the new political leadership, especially PPP Co-Chairman Asif Ali Zardari, who in addition to offering an apology to the people of Balochistan for past injustices, said that negotiations with the aggrieved parties was the only way forward. But to see the determination of the leader of the province in bringing that stance to a successful conclusion is a cause for optimism. The ongoing problem in the province is mainly political in nature and a negotiated settlement of the armed conflict can be achieved. For that, the mindset needs to be changed as well. In the words of Ataullah Mengal, the founder of Balochistan National Party and an ex-CM,, it is the persistence of a colonial perception, which is responsible for the present situation. Though it is the largest province with abundant natural resources, it has not been handed out its due share. And the leaders who voice such grievances have been labelled insurgents. Former Chief Minister Nawab Akbar Bugti is a case in point. Still, a number of political activists are in detention. The CM has thus rightly called for their release, including that of Sardar Akhtar Mengal. The country has a new political leadership eager to make the preferences of the people their priority. The CM's observation comes as a clarion call to close the sad chapter of injustices meted out to the people in the province. However, time is of the essence and the new dispensation needs to put its act together in this regard. One hopes that the proposal by Mr Raisani would soon be followed by a roadmap addressing the various issues facing the province.