Ethics Statement

Ethics Statement for Publication

Pakistan Horizon upholds the highest standards of publication ethics and academic integrity. All contributors, editors, and reviewers are required to adhere strictly to established ethical principles in research, authorship, and peer review.

Accuracy and Integrity
Authors must present an accurate account of their research, supported by sufficient detail and appropriate references. Fabrication, falsification, or misleading representation constitutes unethical conduct and may result in rejection or retraction.

Originality and Authorship
Submissions must be original work. Authors are required to properly cite the work of others, and all direct quotations must be clearly indicated. Authorship is limited to individuals who have made a substantive contribution to the research. In co-authored submissions, the corresponding author must confirm that all co-authors have approved the final version and agreed to the order of authorship.

Multiple and Concurrent Submissions
Manuscripts must not be under consideration elsewhere. Submissions that substantially duplicate existing work, even with minor differences, are not permitted.

Conflicts of Interest and Editorial Independence
An impartial review process is ensured at all stages. Any manuscript involving a conflict of interest with editors, reviewers, or members of the Editorial Board is handled independently. Since HEC does not allow the publication of the Editor or any member of the Editorial Board, a clear cut policy is followed by Pakistan Horizon.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Tools
AI tools cannot be credited as authors. Any use of AI in writing, image generation, or data analysis must be disclosed clearly, specifying the tool used and its role. Authors remain fully responsible for all submitted content. COPE Guidelines.

Editors and Reviewers
Editors evaluate submissions solely on academic merit and maintain the confidentiality of the double-blind review process. Reviewers are expected to decline assignments where conflicts of interest exist, treat all manuscripts as confidential, avoid personal criticism, and report any suspected ethical violations.

Decisions, Appeals, and Misconduct
Editorial decisions - acceptance, rejection, or revision - are communicated with reasons. Authors may submit appeals in writing. In cases of misconduct, whether identified before or after publication, the Journal reserves the right to reject or retract the manuscript and notify relevant institutions and the Higher Education Commission (HEC).