THIS is apropos of your editorial ‘At the crossroads’ (June 9). The issues and threats to the new chief minister of Balochistan have been highlighted to the point.

Balochistan, beginning with the military rule in the country, has entered into a new episode of lawlessness, corruption and rule of undemocratic elements. This has worsened the already deteriorating situation in the province. No one, be it a settler or otherwise, feels secure. Thousands of political workers are missing.

Till today the policies of the last decade are continuing. Corruption is on its peak. According to the Transparency International, from mid - 2006 to 2009 corruption in Balochistan increased by 10 per cent. Moreover, the National Accountability Bureau of Balochistan chapter reported last year that six ministers of the previous government were involved in misappropriation of funds and there were irregularities in the recruitment of employees in government departments.

After the recent election, a change has been seen in the province. For the first time in its history a leader from the middle class, Dr Abdul Malik Baloch, has become the chief minister. No doubt he would face many, many problems, he is, however, capable of facing all challenges. Nevertheless, he needs full support from the federal government, as well as from the establishment.

It is time they supported the newly- elected chief minister. The chapters of dumping mutilated bodies and corruption must be closed. Dr Balcoh and his cabinet have to steer the province out of lawlessness.

BAHAD BALOCHTurbat