Pakistan: Amid a fragile economy and growing inflation in the country, the Pakistan government on Friday approved an increase of up to 20% in retail prices of general medicines and 14% for essential ones. According to Pakistani media, the move prompted immediate criticism from drug manufacturers who claimed the hikes were too small. Pakistan: Amid a fragile economy and growing inflation in the country, the Pakistan government on Friday approved an increase of up to 20% in retail prices of general medicines and 14% for essential ones. According to Pakistani media, the move prompted immediate criticism from drug manufacturers who claimed the hikes were too small.