ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif ordered an immediate release of Rs 23 billion to resolve issues confronting people of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Prime Minister decided to provide funds after thoroughly examining situation in territory, in special meeting chaired by him on subject, PM Office press release said. Different parts of AJK witnessed protest demonstrations during last couple of days with people seeking reduced electricity bills and taxes as well as subsidised wheat flour. Prime Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, AJK Cabinet members and senior leadership attended meeting besides ministers and leaders of coalition parties. Kashmiri leadership and other participants of meeting thanked Prime Minister Shehbaz for his decision to provide funds.

Meanwhile, Shehbaz Sharif directed authorities concerned to use technology to make wheat procurement process clean and transparent. Chairing meeting regarding wheat stocks in Lahore, he said mobile phone application should be developed in this regard.  He said insurance of crops should be ensured for economic security of farmers. He directed PASSCO to procure four lac metric tonnes of additional wheat in transparent and efficient manner.  Farmer’s loss will not be tolerated under any circumstances.