Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif approved a grant of 24 billion rupees ($86.25 million) on Monday for Pakistan-ruled Kashmir where there have been several days of violent protests over inflation.

Protests against price hikes have continued for the fourth day in Pakistan-controlled Kashmir with demonstrators clashing with the police, officials said

The current unrest poses a challenge for the Pakistani military, which maintains a heavy presence in the region, and the civilian leadership in Islamabad. Pakistan regards Kashmir as a disputed territory whose status should be resolved through a U.N.-mandated referendum to allow Kashmiris to choose between being part of Pakistan or India.