Peer Review Policy

 

The Journal of Pak International Medical College (JPIMC) employs a rigorous double-blind peer review system managed through the Open Journal System (OJS). This ensures that all manuscripts are evaluated fairly, objectively, and solely on their scientific merit. Both reviewers and authors remain anonymous throughout the process to maintain impartiality and integrity.

Peer Review Workflow (OJS Cycle)

  1. Manuscript Submission

    • Authors submit their manuscripts electronically through the OJS submission portal.

    • An automated acknowledgment is sent to the corresponding author.

  2. Initial Editorial Screening

    • The Editorial Office evaluates the submission for scope, formatting compliance, plagiarism (Turnitin/iThenticate), and ethical requirements (IRB approval, informed consent, conflict of interest).

    • Manuscripts failing to meet requirements may be returned for correction or rejected at this stage.

  3. Reviewer Assignment

    • Manuscripts meeting criteria are sent to at least two subject experts.

    • The process follows a double-blind review system, ensuring anonymity of both authors and reviewers.

  4. Peer Review Process

    • Reviewers assess originality, methodology, ethical compliance, and contribution to medical knowledge.

    • Constructive feedback is submitted via OJS, with recommendations:

      • Accept

      • Minor Revision

      • Major Revision

      • Reject

  5. Author Revision

    • Reviewer comments are communicated to the authors through OJS.

    • Authors must submit a revised manuscript along with a detailed response-to-reviewers document.

    • Revised manuscripts may be re-evaluated by the same reviewers or by an editor.

  6. Editorial Decision

    • Based on reviewers’ reports and author revisions, the Editor-in-Chief and Editorial Board make the final decision.

    • Authors are notified of acceptance, revision, or rejection through OJS.

  7. Copyediting & Proofreading

    • Accepted manuscripts undergo copyediting, language polishing, and reference verification.

    • Authors review and approve proofs prior to publication.

  8. Publication

    • Finalized manuscripts are published online in the respective quarterly issue (January–March, April–June, July–September, October–December).

    • Articles are assigned DOIs for permanent indexing and citation.

Ethical Standards in Review

  • JPIMC strictly follows COPE’s Ethical Guidelines for Peer Reviewers.

  • Confidentiality is maintained throughout.

  • Any evidence of bias, plagiarism, data fabrication, or ethical misconduct leads to rejection or retraction.

Expected Timelines

  • Initial Screening: 1–2 weeks

  • Peer Review: 4–6 weeks

  • Final Decision: Within 8 weeks of submission

  • Publication: In the upcoming scheduled issue

 

workflow diagram

[Authors Create the Account On OJS]

 [Manuscript Submission via OJS] 
              ↓
   [Initial Editorial Screening]
              ↓
     [Reviewer Assignment]
              ↓
     [Double-Blind Peer Review]
              ↓
       [Reviewer Feedback]
              ↓
        [Author Revision]
              ↓
       [Editorial Decision]
   (Accept / Revise / Reject)
              ↓
 [Copyediting & Proofreading Stage]
              ↓
      [Final Author Approval]
              ↓
        [Quarterly Publication]
              ↓
    [Indexing & DOI Assignment]