Towards Inclusive and Ethical SRM Governance in Pakistan: Bridging Policy Gaps and Global South Representation

Solar Radiation Modification (SRM) is a promising yet controversial climate intervention with complex scientific, ethical, legal, and socio-political implications. Effective governance is essential to  address these challenges prior to any experimentation proceeds, particularly for countries in the Global  South, like Pakistan, where SRM could have profound public health and governance impacts. Global governance discussions are largely driven by Global North institutions, which often marginalize the  concerns of the Global South. This study assesses Pakistan's readiness for SRM governance by analyzing  the coherence of its existing climate change and health policies, alongside expert perceptions. Using a mixed-methods approach, including policy content analysis, expert focus group  discussions, and stakeholder engagement workshops to facilitate deliberation among policymakers, scientists, health professionals, legal experts, civil society, and youth. Additionally, the study analyzes 14 climate change and health policies and gathers feedback from 49 experts through workshops and roundtable discussions. Preliminary policy analysis findings highlight critical gaps in Pakistan’s Climate Change and Public Health governance, current policies fail to address SRM, lack cross-sectoral coordination, and do not include adequate risk assessments, stakeholder engagement, or ethical safeguards. Despite the presence of key policy instruments, Pakistan is unprepared for SRM research, reinforcing global power asymmetries between the Global North and Global South.   The feedback from 49 experts highlights key gaps in Pakistan's Climate Change and Public Health governance, with 53% reporting no prior involvement in SRM projects, underscoring a lack of expertise. 51% viewed SRM as having a moderate role in addressing health challenges, yet no experts saw it as a significant solution. 55% and 61% identified government ministries and provincial departments as crucial for SRM integration, while 39% emphasized the importance of NGOs and civil society. Despite 57% rating existing coordination between health and climate sectors as effective, unclear roles, insufficient resources, and limited capacity remain key barriers. The need for clear institutional mandates (35%) and cross-sectoral coordination (37%) was also stressed, highlighting critical gaps in SRM policy governance.  Experts emphasized the need for stronger coordination between government ministries, NGOs, and civil society, alongside clear institutional mandates, capacity-building, and funding for SRM related research. The analysis of policies further reveals the lack of alignment between climate change and public health frameworks, with experts highlighting the need for better integration and local capacity for research and monitoring.In conclusion, our finding emphasizes the importance of inclusive dialogue, ethical oversight, and institutional reform to ensure that Pakistan—and the broader Global South—are not excluded from shaping global SRM governance. The study argues for Global South representation, the integration of health and ethical considerations into SRM policy, and the establishment of participatory decision-making structures to promote fair, scientifically informed, and accountable governance at both national and international levels.