Peer Review Policy

Introduction

The Urdu Research Journal KATIB is committed to maintaining the highest standards of academic rigor and integrity. A robust peer review process is essential to ensure the quality, originality, and relevance of the research published in the journal. This policy outlines the peer review process employed by KATIB.

Scope

This policy applies to all original research articles submitted for publication in KATIB.

Peer Review Process

1. Initial Screening: All submitted manuscripts undergo an initial screening by the editorial team to assess their suitability for the journal based on scope, adherence to submission guidelines, and overall quality.
2. Peer Review: Manuscripts deemed suitable for peer review are sent to at least two independent reviewers who are experts in the relevant field. Reviewers are selected based on their qualifications, expertise, and availability.
3. Reviewer Selection: The editorial team strives to select reviewers who are geographically diverse and have no conflicts of interest with the authors.
4. Confidentiality: The peer review process is conducted anonymously (double-blind). Reviewers are not informed of the authors' identities, and authors are not informed of the reviewers' identities.
5. Review Criteria: Reviewers are asked to evaluate manuscripts based on the following criteria:
   • Originality and significance of the research
   • Clarity and coherence of the research question and objectives
   • Soundness of research methodology and data analysis
   • Quality of writing, language, and presentation
   • Contribution to the field of Urdu studies
   • Adherence to ethical guidelines
6. Reviewer Feedback: Reviewers are required to provide constructive criticism and recommendations for improvement. Their feedback should be specific, detailed, and helpful to the authors.
7. Review Timelines: Reviewers are expected to complete their reviews within a specified timeframe. The editorial team will follow up with reviewers if necessary to ensure timely completion of reviews.
8. Decision Making: Based on the reviewers' recommendations, the editorial team will make a decision regarding the acceptance, rejection, or revision of the manuscript. Authors will be notified of the decision in writing.
9. Revisions: Authors of manuscripts accepted for publication with revisions are expected to address the reviewers' comments and resubmit a revised version within a specified timeframe. Revised manuscripts may be sent for re-review if necessary.
10. Appeals: Authors who disagree with the editorial decision may submit an appeal. Appeals will be reviewed by the editorial board.

Plagiarism and Ethical Considerations

KATIB has a strict policy against plagiarism. All submitted manuscripts are screened for plagiarism using appropriate software. Authors are responsible for ensuring the originality of their work. Any form of plagiarism will result in immediate rejection of the manuscript and may lead to further disciplinary action. KATIB adheres to the highest ethical standards in research and publication. Authors are expected to comply with relevant ethical guidelines, including those related to data management, authorship, and conflict of interest.

Publication Ethics

KATIB is committed to upholding the principles of publication ethics. This includes:

• Avoiding duplicate publication
• Ensuring accurate and transparent reporting of research findings
• Respecting intellectual property rights
• Managing conflicts of interest appropriately

Reviewers’ Responsibilities

Reviewers play a crucial role in maintaining the quality of KATIB. Reviewers are expected to:

• Conduct a thorough and objective evaluation of the manuscript
• Provide constructive and actionable feedback to the authors
• Respect the confidentiality of the peer review process
• Adhere to ethical guidelines

Editorial Board Responsibilities

The editorial board is responsible for overseeing the peer review process and making final decisions regarding manuscript acceptance. The editorial board is committed to ensuring fairness, transparency, and efficiency in the peer review process.

Amendment

The editorial board reserves the right to amend this policy as needed to reflect changes in best practices or to address emerging challenges.

By submitting a manuscript to KATIB, authors agree to abide by the terms of this peer review policy.