Pakistan's northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province plans to spend more than $25 million to boost security efforts in the restive region. Provincial government spokesman Muhammad Ali Saif told RFE/RL on May 3 that "the police need more weapons and equipment" to counter the rise of militant attacks in recent months. Residents have said that the security situation has worsened significantly, particularly in the province's south. Recently elected Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari expressed concern over the security situation in the province during his speech to a joint session of parliament on April 18. To read the original story by RFE/RL's Radio Mashaal, click here.