POLICIES

Archiving Policy

The Pakistan Journal of Healthcare Research (PJHR) is committed to ensuring the long-term preservation and accessibility of its published content. In line with our mission to support the dissemination of high-quality healthcare research, we have developed the following archiving policy:

1. Digital Archiving

All articles published in the Pakistan Journal of Healthcare Research are archived digitally in perpetuity. These archives are made accessible to the public through the following platforms:

• Journal’s Website: Full-text versions of articles are available on the journal’s official website.
• Institutional Repositories: All articles will be deposited in relevant institutional repositories where possible.
• External Archiving Services: The journal partners with trusted digital archiving platforms (such as CLOCKSS, LOCKSS, or Portico) to ensure that content is safely archived and accessible over time. These platforms provide a safeguard for the journal's content, even in the case of any website disruptions or discontinuation.

2. Access to Published Articles

• Articles published in the journal are freely accessible and will remain so under an open-access model, ensuring that healthcare professionals, researchers, and the general public can access the content at no charge.
• The journal adheres to Creative Commons licensing to encourage proper attribution while ensuring the work is available for educational and research purposes.

3. Preservation of Metadata

• Comprehensive metadata related to each article (including but not limited to article title, author information, keywords, abstracts, publication date, etc.) is preserved in both the journal's digital archive and external archiving services, ensuring discoverability and citation of published work.

4. Backup Procedures

• Regular backups of the journal’s digital content are made to protect against data loss. This includes both full-text content and metadata.
• Backup copies are stored securely and are periodically tested for integrity.

5. Legal and Ethical Compliance

• The Pakistan Journal of Healthcare Research ensures compliance with legal and ethical standards regarding data protection and privacy. Published content will be managed in a way that respects the rights of authors and participants.

6. Policy Updates

• This archiving policy will be reviewed regularly to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with evolving digital archiving standards and technologies. Updates to the policy will be communicated to authors, editors, and stakeholders as needed.

The Pakistan Journal of Healthcare Research is committed to the long-term accessibility of its content, and this archiving policy will support the ongoing research and advancement of healthcare knowledge globally.

 

Plagiarism Policy

The Pakistan Journal of Healthcare Research (PJHR) upholds the highest standards of academic integrity. We are committed to ensuring that all manuscripts published in the journal are free from plagiarism and that authors adhere to ethical research practices. This plagiarism policy outlines the measures taken by the journal to detect, prevent, and address plagiarism in submitted and published manuscripts.

1. Definition of Plagiarism

Plagiarism is defined as the act of using someone else’s work, ideas, or words without proper acknowledgment, thereby presenting them as one’s own. This includes, but is not limited to:

• Copying text or large portions of text from another source without citation.
• Paraphrasing text from a source without proper attribution.
• Using figures, tables, or images from another source without permission or citation.
• Submitting a manuscript that has been previously published elsewhere (self-plagiarism) without appropriate reference.

2. Prevention of Plagiarism

• Author Responsibility: Authors submitting manuscripts to PJHR are expected to ensure that their work is original and free from plagiarism. All sources of information, ideas, data, and quotations should be appropriately cited, with full references provided.
• Proper Citation and Referencing: Authors must cite all sources of data, ideas, and text that are not their own, including but not limited to articles, books, reports, and websites. The journal uses a standardized citation style (e.g., APA, Harvard) that must be adhered to for all references.
• Self-Plagiarism: Authors are advised against submitting manuscripts that have been previously published or are under consideration elsewhere. Any previously published material included in a new submission must be appropriately cited.

3. Plagiarism Detection

• Use of Plagiarism Detection Software: All manuscripts submitted to PJHR will be checked for plagiarism using reputable plagiarism detection software (e.g., Turnitin, iThenticate). This is done as part of the submission process to ensure the originality of the work.
• Threshold for Similarity: Manuscripts with a similarity index higher than 20-25% may be flagged for further review. The editorial team will evaluate the nature of the matches to determine whether they are properly cited or constitute potential plagiarism.
• Manual Review: In addition to automated checks, the editorial team may manually review any manuscripts flagged by the plagiarism detection software for further scrutiny, especially if there is concern about the originality of the content.

4. Handling Plagiarism Cases

• Initial Evaluation: If plagiarism is detected during the review process, the editorial team will inform the corresponding author and request an explanation or clarification. The author will be given the opportunity to correct the issue by properly citing the sources, revising the manuscript, or providing justification.
• Minor Instances: For minor instances of plagiarism (e.g., improper citation), the author may be required to revise the manuscript and provide the necessary citations before the manuscript can proceed through the review process.
• Major Instances: If significant plagiarism is detected (e.g., substantial portions of the manuscript being copied from another source or self-plagiarism without acknowledgment), the manuscript will be rejected, and the author will be notified. In severe cases, the manuscript may be blacklisted, and the author may be prohibited from submitting to PJHR in the future.
• Retraction of Published Articles: If plagiarism is discovered after an article has been published, PJHR may retract the article. The retraction notice will be published, stating the reasons for the retraction. The article will also be removed from the online archive if deemed necessary.

5. Consequences for Authors

• Rejection: Manuscripts found to contain plagiarism will be rejected at the editorial or review stage. Authors may be provided with feedback on the issue and will be asked to revise their work accordingly.
• Ban on Future Submissions: Authors who repeatedly submit plagiarized work may face a ban from submitting to PJHR, and their names may be added to a list of authors flagged for misconduct.
• Retracted Articles: Articles found to contain plagiarism after publication will be formally retracted. Authors whose articles are retracted will be notified, and a retraction notice will be published alongside the original article. In some cases, a formal warning will be issued to the authors regarding future submissions.

6. Ethical Compliance

• Commitment to Integrity: PJHR is committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic publishing and follows strict ethical guidelines in all stages of the publication process.
• Transparency and Accountability: We encourage authors, reviewers, and editors to report any suspected cases of plagiarism or unethical research practices. Reports will be taken seriously and investigated thoroughly.

7. Author Responsibilities

• Authors are responsible for ensuring that the manuscript they submit is free from plagiarism.
• Authors must ensure that they have the necessary permissions to use any third-party content (e.g., images, tables, data) in their manuscript.
• Authors must disclose any conflicts of interest or financial support related to their work.

8. Policy Review

• This plagiarism policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure that it aligns with current best practices in academic publishing. Any updates or changes to the policy will be communicated to authors, reviewers, and editors.

 

 

Peer Review Policy

The Pakistan Journal of Healthcare Research (PJHR) follows a rigorous, transparent, and ethical peer review process to ensure the quality, integrity, and relevance of all research published in the journal. The peer review process is designed to evaluate the scientific quality, originality, and contribution of submitted manuscripts to the field of healthcare research. Below is the journal's peer review policy:

1. Peer Review Process

• Double-Blind Review: PJHR employs a double-blind peer review process. Both the identities of the authors and the reviewers are kept confidential throughout the review process. This approach ensures objectivity and impartiality in the evaluation of the manuscript.
• Reviewer Selection: Manuscripts are sent to two or more independent, qualified peer reviewers who have expertise in the subject matter of the submission. Reviewers are selected based on their academic background, professional experience, and ability to provide constructive and critical feedback.
• Initial Assessment: Upon submission, the editorial team conducts an initial assessment to determine whether the manuscript meets the journal's scope and basic quality standards. If it does not, the manuscript is returned to the author with feedback.

2. Criteria for Peer Review

Reviewers evaluate the manuscript based on several criteria, including but not limited to:

• Originality and novelty of the research
• Scientific rigor and methodology
• Clarity and quality of writing
• Relevance and significance to the field of healthcare research
• Ethical considerations (including approval from ethical committees and informed consent, where applicable)
• Accuracy of citations and referencing
• Overall contribution to advancing healthcare research

3. Reviewer Responsibilities

Reviewers are expected to:

• Provide an unbiased and constructive critique of the manuscript.
• Ensure that all comments and suggestions are clearly explained to aid the authors in improving their manuscript.
• Refrain from reviewing any manuscripts where there is a potential conflict of interest (e.g., competing interests with the authors).
• Maintain confidentiality and avoid disclosing any information about the manuscript to third parties.

4. Editorial Decision

Based on the feedback from the reviewers, the editorial team will make one of the following decisions:

• Accept: The manuscript is accepted without revision or with minor revisions.
• Revise and Resubmit: The manuscript requires major revisions, and the authors are asked to address the reviewers’ comments before resubmitting.
• Reject: The manuscript does not meet the required standards for publication and is therefore rejected.

The authors will receive detailed feedback from the reviewers, which will be provided anonymously (unless otherwise requested by the reviewers). Authors are given the opportunity to revise their manuscripts and resubmit them for further evaluation.

5. Timeframe for Peer Review

• The peer review process typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, depending on the availability of reviewers and the complexity of the manuscript.
• Authors are notified at each stage of the review process, including when reviewers are assigned, when feedback is provided, and when the editorial decision is made.

6. Ethical Considerations in Peer Review

• PJHR adheres to ethical guidelines to ensure fairness and transparency in the peer review process. Any instances of plagiarism, data manipulation, or unethical research practices discovered during the review process will result in immediate rejection of the manuscript and may lead to reporting the issue to the relevant authorities.
• Conflicts of Interest: Authors, editors, and reviewers must disclose any conflicts of interest that might affect their objectivity in the peer review process. Manuscripts from authors with conflicts of interest are handled with extra care to ensure impartiality.

7. Transparency

• The names of reviewers are not disclosed to authors under the double-blind review process. However, after the review process is completed and the manuscript is published, authors may opt to acknowledge the contributions of reviewers publicly (if the reviewers consent).

8. Open Peer Review Option

• PJHR offers an optional open peer review process, where both the reviewer’s identity and the review comments are published alongside the article. This approach is voluntary and requires prior consent from both authors and reviewers.

9. Post-Publication Review

• After publication, the journal encourages post-publication commentary and peer reviews. Authors may engage with the academic community in the form of responses to these comments or letters to the editor. These interactions ensure continuous dialogue and improvement of published research.

By adhering to this peer review policy, the Pakistan Journal of Healthcare Research ensures that all research published is of the highest scientific quality and contributes meaningfully to the field of healthcare.

 

Paper Prints Policy

The Pakistan Journal of Healthcare Research (PJHR) is committed to providing access to high-quality healthcare research, both digitally and in print. While the journal primarily operates as an open-access, digital platform, we recognize that some authors, readers, and institutions may prefer paper copies of published articles for archival, educational, or personal use. This Paper Prints Policy outlines the process and conditions under which paper prints of articles can be obtained.

1. Availability of Paper Prints

• Print on Demand: PJHR offers a print-on-demand service for authors, readers, and institutions who wish to obtain printed copies of specific articles or entire issues. The paper prints are produced based on individual requests.
• Limited Distribution: Printed copies of the journal are produced in limited quantities. The primary format for dissemination remains digital; printed copies are considered supplementary for those requiring hard copies.

2. Requesting Paper Prints

• Individual Article Requests: Authors or readers wishing to request printed copies of individual articles can do so by submitting a formal request via the journal’s website or by contacting the editorial team directly.
• Institutional Requests: Academic institutions, libraries, or healthcare organizations seeking bulk prints of specific issues or selected articles should contact the journal for pricing and ordering details.
• Order Form: An order form will be available on the journal’s website, where users can specify the articles or issues they wish to order in print.

3. Pricing

• Print Costs: The cost for printing articles will be determined based on the number of pages, paper quality, and the quantity ordered. The pricing information will be made available on the journal's website.
• Shipping Fees: Shipping charges are applicable based on the delivery address and will be calculated at the time of the order. International shipping may involve additional costs or delays.

4. Format of Paper Prints

• Standard Print: Printed articles will be produced in standard A4 size with high-quality paper suitable for academic distribution. The printouts will include the article's full text, references, and author information as published in the digital version.
• Issue Print: For those requesting entire issues, the printed copies will include all articles in that particular issue, formatted according to PJHR’s standard design and layout.

5. Delivery and Timeframes

• Processing Time: Once an order is received, processing and printing may take 5 to 7 business days, depending on the volume of orders and availability of resources.
• Shipping Time: Delivery time will vary based on the recipient's location. Domestic orders typically take 7 to 10 business days, while international shipping may take 2 to 4 weeks.

6. Environmental Considerations

• PJHR is committed to environmental sustainability. As part of our efforts to reduce our carbon footprint, we encourage the use of digital access to articles whenever possible. Paper prints are available only upon request and are produced in compliance with eco-friendly practices.

7. Permissions and Copyright

• Authors requesting paper prints for distribution or archival purposes should ensure that they have the appropriate permissions for any third-party content (figures, tables, etc.) included in the article.
• The printed copies will include the same copyright statement as the digital version, and authors should ensure that their work complies with the journal’s copyright and licensing policies.

8. Limitations and Availability

• Non-availability of Past Issues: Older issues of the journal may not be available for print-on-demand due to storage or archival limitations. However, individual articles from past issues can still be printed upon request.
• Availability of Special Editions: Special issues or thematic collections may have different policies regarding print availability, which will be communicated to interested parties on a case-by-case basis.

9. Policy Review

• This Paper Prints Policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure that it meets the needs of our authors, readers, and institutions while maintaining operational efficiency and sustainability. Any updates or changes to the policy will be communicated promptly to all stakeholders.

 

Withdrawal Policy

The Pakistan Journal of Healthcare Research (PJHR) maintains a clear and ethical withdrawal policy to ensure transparency, integrity, and fairness in the publication process. This policy applies to articles that have been submitted, accepted, or published in the journal, and outlines the conditions under which authors may request to withdraw their submissions or published articles.

1. Withdrawal of Manuscripts Before Acceptance

• Author-Initiated Withdrawal: Authors may request the withdrawal of their manuscript from consideration at any stage before final acceptance. This includes during peer review, revisions, or after receiving the decision from the editorial board.
• Procedure: To initiate a withdrawal request, the corresponding author must notify the editorial team in writing, explaining the reasons for the withdrawal. This request should be submitted via email or the journal’s submission portal.
• Confirmation: Once the withdrawal request is received, the editorial team will review the request and confirm the withdrawal of the manuscript. The author will receive a confirmation email indicating that the manuscript has been officially withdrawn.
• Reason for Withdrawal: Authors may be asked to provide a brief reason for withdrawal, but this is not mandatory. However, providing reasons can help the journal improve its processes.

2. Withdrawal of Accepted Manuscripts Before Publication

• Author-Initiated Withdrawal: After a manuscript has been accepted but before it has been published, authors may still request to withdraw the article from the journal. Reasons for withdrawal may include, but are not limited to, changes in the authors' affiliations, errors in the manuscript, or simultaneous submission to another journal.
• Procedure: A formal written request for withdrawal must be made to the editorial team. The request should include a clear explanation of the reason for withdrawal.
• Acceptance of Withdrawal: The editorial board will review the withdrawal request. If the manuscript has already been processed for publication (e.g., copyediting, layout), the withdrawal may still be permitted but may incur processing charges.

3. Withdrawal of Published Articles

• Post-Publication Withdrawal: Once an article has been officially published in the journal, it is generally considered final and cannot be withdrawn. However, there may be rare cases in which the editorial board will consider a post-publication withdrawal.
• Conditions for Post-Publication Withdrawal:
• Scientific Misconduct: If the article is found to contain scientific misconduct (e.g., plagiarism, falsification of data) after publication, the article may be withdrawn or retracted. In this case, the author(s) and the journal will follow the retraction procedures in accordance with ethical guidelines.
• Authorship Dispute: If there is a dispute regarding authorship or an issue of misrepresentation, the journal will work with the authors to resolve the situation. In cases where a satisfactory resolution cannot be reached, the article may be retracted or marked as withdrawn.
• Legal Issues: If the article becomes the subject of legal action, the journal may withdraw it from publication pending legal resolution.
• Serious Errors or Violations: If there are significant errors or violations that affect the validity or ethics of the published article, the editorial board may consider a retraction.

4. Retraction vs. Withdrawal

• Retraction refers to the removal of an article from the journal’s archives due to issues such as scientific misconduct, plagiarism, or legal concerns. A retracted article is marked as such in the online version, and the reasons for retraction are clearly stated.
• Withdrawal refers to a voluntary decision by the authors to remove their article from the journal’s consideration before it is published. Once an article is accepted for publication, withdrawal is no longer possible unless the conditions mentioned above apply.

5. Handling of Submitted Articles with Incomplete Information

• If an article is submitted with incomplete or incorrect information (e.g., missing data, author names, references), the editorial team will notify the corresponding author to correct the submission. If the corrections are not made in a reasonable time frame, the manuscript may be withdrawn by the editorial board.

6. Communication of Withdrawal

• Upon withdrawal of any manuscript (whether before acceptance, after acceptance, or after publication), the journal will update its system to reflect the status of the manuscript.
• Authors will receive a written notification confirming the status of the withdrawal. In cases where the article is withdrawn post-publication, an official notice of withdrawal will be issued, which will be published in the journal to ensure transparency.

7. Ethical Considerations

• The Pakistan Journal of Healthcare Research maintains strict adherence to ethical guidelines during the withdrawal process. The journal ensures that all withdrawal requests are processed in a timely manner and that authors’ rights and responsibilities are upheld.
• Authors are expected to respect the journal’s ethical standards and avoid multiple withdrawals or repeated submission of the same manuscript to different journals simultaneously.

8. Review of Policy

• This withdrawal policy will be reviewed periodically by the editorial board to ensure compliance with best practices in academic publishing and to address any evolving issues related to manuscript submission and withdrawal.
• Any changes to the policy will be communicated to authors, reviewers, and readers promptly.

By adhering to this Withdrawal Policy, the Pakistan Journal of Healthcare Research ensures a transparent, ethical, and organized approach to handling manuscript submissions and published content, maintaining the integrity of the journal and the research community.

 

Refund Policy

The Pakistan Journal of Healthcare Research (PJHR) strives to provide high-quality services to authors, readers, and institutions. This Refund Policy outlines the conditions under which refunds may be issued for services associated with the journal, including submission fees, publication fees, and other associated charges.

1. Submission Fees

• Non-refundable: Submission fees are required when submitting a manuscript to PJHR for review and consideration. These fees are non-refundable under any circumstances once the manuscript is submitted for peer review.
• Reason for Non-refundability: The submission fee helps cover the administrative costs of processing the manuscript, including editorial handling, peer review, and initial assessments.

2. Publication Fees

• Non-refundable: Once a manuscript is accepted for publication, the associated publication fees are non-refundable. These fees are used to cover the costs of editing, formatting, publishing, and archiving the article.
• Exception for Withdrawal Before Publication: If a manuscript is accepted and the author requests withdrawal before the article is published online (after final acceptance but before it is published), the author may be eligible for a partial refund of the publication fee, minus any administrative costs already incurred. These decisions are at the discretion of the editorial board.

3. Refunds Due to Manuscript Withdrawal

• Pre-acceptance: If a manuscript is withdrawn by the author prior to acceptance, no refund will be issued for any fees paid, including submission fees or publication fees.
• Post-acceptance: If an article is withdrawn after acceptance and before it is published, no refund will be issued for publication fees. However, if a withdrawal request is made before the final stages of publication (i.e., before the article is finalized for online publication), the editorial board may consider a partial refund depending on the work completed.

4. Refunds for Errors or Journal Responsibility

• Journal Error: If a publication fee has been paid and an article is found to have been published with significant errors caused by the journal’s editorial team (such as formatting errors, incorrect citations, or other mistakes), the journal will review the issue. If the error is substantial and cannot be rectified through correction or re-publication, a partial refund may be issued at the discretion of the editorial team.

5. Refund Process

• Refund Request: Any request for a refund must be submitted in writing by the corresponding author to the journal’s editorial office. The request should include the transaction details, reason for the refund, and supporting documentation where applicable.
• Processing Time: Refund requests will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and processed within 4 to 6 weeks from the date of the request. The decision will be communicated to the corresponding author, and any eligible refund will be issued via the original payment method.

6. Refund Eligibility Criteria

• Refunds may only be issued under the circumstances outlined in this policy. Any requests outside of these conditions (such as dissatisfaction with peer review decisions or editorial decisions) are not eligible for a refund.

7. Refunds for Institutional or Bulk Orders

• For institutional subscriptions or bulk print orders, refunds may be considered in cases of overpayment, failure to deliver on time, or other administrative issues. Any such requests must be made directly to the journal’s subscription team, and the refund will be processed based on the nature of the issue.

8. Policy Review

• This refund policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure that it remains fair, transparent, and aligned with industry best practices. Any updates to the policy will be communicated to all stakeholders, including authors, readers, and institutions.

By adhering to this Refund Policy, the Pakistan Journal of Healthcare Research ensures fairness in handling requests and maintains the integrity of its publishing operations while supporting the research community.

 

Privacy Statement

The Pakistan Journal of Healthcare Research (PJHR) is committed to maintaining the privacy and confidentiality of personal data provided by authors, reviewers, subscribers, and all other individuals who interact with the journal. This Privacy Statement outlines how we collect, use, store, and protect your personal information, ensuring compliance with applicable data protection laws and regulations.

1. Data Collection

We collect personal information from authors, reviewers, and subscribers in order to facilitate manuscript submission, peer review, and publication processes. The information we collect may include, but is not limited to:

• Authors:
• Name(s) of the author(s)
• Affiliation(s)
• Email address
• Correspondence details
• Research data and manuscript submissions
• Financial details for payment of fees (if applicable)
• Reviewers:
• Name(s)
• Affiliation(s)
• Email address
• Areas of expertise
• Manuscript review comments
• Subscribers and readers:
• Name(s)
• Email address (for newsletter or updates, if applicable)
• Subscription preferences

2. Use of Data

The data we collect is used for the following purposes:

• For Authors:
• To manage the submission, peer review, and publication of manuscripts
• To communicate regarding the status of submissions and revisions
• To process any financial transactions related to publication fees
• For Reviewers:
• To invite you to review manuscripts
• To communicate feedback and decisions regarding the review process
• For Subscribers and Readers:
• To send you notifications, newsletters, or updates about the journal’s content and publications (if you have opted for such services)

3. Data Storage and Security

We take appropriate measures to ensure the security of personal information and maintain its confidentiality. Personal data is stored securely within the journal’s submission and editorial management systems, and access is restricted to authorized personnel only. We employ data encryption and other security measures to protect your information from unauthorized access, alteration, or disclosure.

4. Data Sharing and Third-Party Services

• Reviewers: Reviewer comments are shared with the authors of submitted manuscripts but remain anonymous unless otherwise agreed. We do not disclose reviewers' identities without their consent, except in the case of open peer review (if applicable).
• Editorial and Production Teams: Your personal data may be shared with the editorial and production teams, including technical staff responsible for the publication process. These individuals are required to handle your data with confidentiality.
• Third-Party Service Providers: We may use third-party service providers (e.g., payment processors, hosting services, or plagiarism detection tools) to facilitate the services provided by the journal. These service providers will only have access to the personal data necessary to perform their functions and are prohibited from using your data for any other purposes.
• Legal Obligations: We may disclose personal data if required by law or in response to legal processes, such as subpoenas, court orders, or government requests.

5. Cookies and Tracking

The PJHR website may use cookies and similar tracking technologies to enhance the user experience. Cookies are small text files stored on your device that help us improve the functionality of the website and monitor website traffic. You may adjust your browser settings to refuse cookies, but this may affect your experience on the website.

6. Retention of Data

Personal data is retained for as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined in this Privacy Statement or as required by law. Authors’ manuscripts and related materials are retained as part of the journal's archival process. Financial records and other necessary data may be retained for the duration of the business relationship or as required by law.

7. Your Rights

Depending on your location and applicable data protection laws, you may have the following rights regarding your personal data:

• Right to Access: You may request access to the personal data we hold about you.
• Right to Correct: You can request corrections to any inaccurate or incomplete data.
• Right to Erasure: You may request the deletion of your personal data, subject to any legal or contractual obligations.
• Right to Object: You may object to the processing of your personal data in certain circumstances.

To exercise any of these rights or for any inquiries regarding your personal data, please contact the editorial team at the contact information provided on the PJHR website.

8. Changes to the Privacy Statement

We may update this Privacy Statement periodically to reflect changes in our practices, technologies, or legal obligations. Any significant changes will be communicated to users via email or through an announcement on the journal’s website.

Publication Ethics

The Pakistan Journal of Healthcare Research (PJHR) is committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in the publication of healthcare research. We adhere to the guidelines established by reputable organizations, including the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE). This Publication Ethics policy outlines the responsibilities of authors, editors, reviewers, and the editorial team to ensure that all published content meets ethical, legal, and professional standards.

1. Author Responsibilities

Authors submitting manuscripts to PJHR are expected to comply with the following ethical guidelines:

• Originality: Authors must ensure that the content of the manuscript is original and has not been previously published or simultaneously submitted to another journal. Any previous publication must be clearly stated and referenced.
• Plagiarism: Authors must ensure that their work is free from plagiarism. Proper citation must be given for all sources of information, including text, data, and images. Any use of another author’s work should be appropriately acknowledged.
• Data Integrity: Authors must ensure the accuracy, reliability, and integrity of data and results presented in their manuscript. Manipulation, fabrication, or falsification of data is strictly prohibited.
• Ethical Approval: Research involving human or animal subjects must be conducted in accordance with ethical standards, and authors must provide proof of ethical approval from an appropriate committee or institutional review board (IRB). Informed consent must be obtained from participants where required.
• Conflicts of Interest: Authors must disclose any conflicts of interest that may have influenced their research or manuscript. This includes financial interests, personal relationships, or affiliations that could affect the objectivity of the work.
• Authorship: All individuals who have contributed significantly to the manuscript should be included as authors. Authors should also ensure that all contributors are properly acknowledged, and no unauthorized individuals are listed as authors.
• Disclosure of Funding: Authors should disclose all sources of funding or financial support for the research. If no funding was received, this should also be clearly stated.

2. Reviewer Responsibilities

Reviewers are essential in maintaining the quality and integrity of the journal. The following ethical guidelines apply to reviewers:

• Confidentiality: Reviewers must treat all manuscripts as confidential documents. Manuscripts should not be shared or discussed with others without the explicit consent of the journal.
• Impartiality: Reviewers must provide an objective, unbiased evaluation of the manuscript based on its scientific merit, regardless of the authors’ personal or professional affiliations.
• Constructive Feedback: Reviewers should provide constructive, respectful, and thorough feedback to authors, offering suggestions for improvement. Reviewers should avoid personal criticism or inappropriate language.
• Conflict of Interest: Reviewers must disclose any conflicts of interest that may affect their impartiality in reviewing the manuscript. If a reviewer has a direct or indirect relationship with the authors, they should recuse themselves from reviewing the manuscript.
• Timeliness: Reviewers should complete their reviews within the time frame specified by the journal. If they are unable to meet the deadline, they should notify the editorial team promptly.

3. Editor Responsibilities

Editors play a critical role in maintaining the integrity of the journal and ensuring the publication of high-quality research. Editors are expected to follow these ethical standards:

• Fairness and Impartiality: Editors must evaluate manuscripts based on scientific merit and relevance to the journal's scope, without regard to the authors' race, gender, nationality, or institutional affiliation.
• Confidentiality: Editors must maintain confidentiality regarding the manuscripts under review and should not disclose the identities of authors or reviewers unless agreed upon. Manuscripts should only be shared with relevant individuals involved in the peer review process.
• Transparency: Editors should make decisions based on the recommendations of the reviewers, but ultimately retain full editorial responsibility for acceptance or rejection. All decisions should be well-supported by clear reasoning.
• Handling of Conflicts of Interest: Editors must disclose any conflicts of interest related to a submitted manuscript. If there is a conflict, editors must recuse themselves from the decision-making process and assign the manuscript to another editor.
• Accuracy and Integrity: Editors must ensure that the published articles are accurate, reliable, and free from any form of unethical research conduct, including plagiarism, data manipulation, or fabricated results.
• Appeals Process: Editors should have an established process in place for handling appeals from authors who disagree with editorial decisions. All appeals should be reviewed fairly and transparently.

4. Editorial Board and Publisher Responsibilities

• Editorial Independence: The editorial board of PJHR is independent from the publisher. The publisher does not influence editorial decisions, and the editorial team makes all decisions based on the academic and scientific merit of submissions.
• Transparency: The publisher must ensure that the journal operates with transparency, providing clear and accessible policies on submission, peer review, and publication processes.
• Maintenance of Records: The publisher must maintain clear and accurate records of all submitted and published content, including the peer review history and final editorial decisions.
• Corrections and Retractions: The publisher must promptly publish corrections, retractions, and clarifications for articles when errors or ethical concerns are identified post-publication. Retractions should be clearly communicated to the academic community to preserve the integrity of the literature.

5. Handling Ethical Violations

The Pakistan Journal of Healthcare Research takes ethical violations seriously. Any suspected misconduct, including plagiarism, data manipulation, or duplicate publication, will be thoroughly investigated. If an ethical violation is identified, the following actions may be taken:

• Rejection of Manuscripts: Manuscripts that are found to violate ethical standards may be rejected at any stage of the publication process.
• Retraction of Published Articles: In cases of serious ethical violations (such as scientific misconduct or plagiarism) discovered post-publication, the article will be retracted, and a retraction notice will be issued.
• Reporting Violations: The journal will report any instances of unethical behavior to the relevant academic, institutional, or legal authorities when appropriate.

6. Open Access and Transparency

PJHR adheres to an open-access model to ensure that published research is freely accessible to all. We believe in promoting transparency and accessibility in academic publishing and are committed to the ethical principles of open science.

7. Policy Review and Updates

This publication ethics policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure it remains aligned with current ethical standards in academic publishing. Any updates or changes to the policy will be communicated to authors, editors, reviewers, and stakeholders.

By adhering to these ethical principles, the Pakistan Journal of Healthcare Research ensures that all published research is of the highest scientific quality and that the integrity of the academic community is upheld.