LAHORE: An open letter being circulated in influential circles is demanding the Pakistan government to ensure universal basic income during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic to protect the interests of the poorest in the country.

The letter, which just began circulating and at the time of filing this report, had gathered over 500 signatures, called on political figures, professionals, students, teachers, workers, trade unionists, activists and concerned citizens to come forward and demand this of the government.

The letter has been signed by professors from the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), University of Management Sciences (UMT), the National University of Science and Technology (NUST), and many other notable academics, including Dr Pervez Hoodhbhoy. It has also been signed by a number of prominent lawyers, including Abid Hassan Minto.

“We are living in unprecedented times – as the COVID-19 virus spreads rapidly across the globe, it undermines the very foundations of the global economy” the letter states.

It points out that in the current circumstances, our economic system as we know it is grinding to a halt, and without drastic government intervention, countless numbers could suffer, businesses will close, unemployment will skyrocket, and the economy will go into a steep recession.

“It is time for the Pakistani government to enact emergency universal basic income, ensuring that everyone in their jurisdiction has enough money to buy the food and other essentials they need to survive,” it adds.

The letter admits that on its own such a step will not solve all the problems that the country will face in the days to come, but it argues that “an unconditional basic income should play a central role in the emergency response to this crisis because without it, lives will be lost”.

The letter is being signed on a Google document.