Statement on Handling Corrections, Retractions, and Editorial Expressions of Concern

The Pakistan Journal of Urology (PJU) is committed to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability in all published work. We recognize that errors can occur during the publication process and are dedicated to ensuring that any necessary corrections, retractions, or expressions of concern are handled with the utmost professionalism and in accordance with ethical guidelines.

1. Corrections:
If a significant error is identified in a published article that does not affect the overall findings or conclusions but requires rectification (e.g., typographical errors, misstatements in data), a correction will be issued. The correction will be clearly indicated in the article, and the original article will be updated with a clear statement of the changes made. Corrections will be made promptly to ensure the article's accuracy and reliability.

2. Retractions:
In cases where an article is found to be seriously flawed (e.g., plagiarism, data fabrication, or falsification), or if ethical standards have been violated, the article will be retracted. The retraction notice will provide an explanation of the reason for the retraction, and the article will be marked as retracted. The retraction will be publicly available to maintain transparency and uphold the journal’s commitment to the integrity of the academic record.

3. Editorial Expressions of Concern:
If concerns arise regarding an article’s validity, such as issues with methodology, data interpretation, or ethical conduct, but the matter does not warrant a full retraction, the editorial team may issue an expression of concern. This will be a public statement detailing the issue(s) under review, clarifying the status of the article while further investigation is carried out. The expression of concern will remain visible alongside the article until the matter is resolved.

4. Authors’ Responsibility:
Authors are responsible for ensuring the accuracy and integrity of their work. They are required to notify the editorial office promptly if they become aware of any significant errors or ethical concerns related to their published work. The journal encourages authors to work collaboratively with the editorial team in cases of corrections, retractions, or concerns.

5. Commitment to Ethical Standards:
PJU follows guidelines set forth by international publishing ethics bodies, including the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE). The journal adheres to COPE’s best practices in handling corrections, retractions, and editorial concerns, ensuring that the process is fair, transparent, and in the best interest of scientific integrity.