Review Process

Peer Review Process

Each submitted manuscript undergoes a multi-stage review process:

  1. Initial Editorial Screening (1–2 weeks)
    The editorial board evaluates the manuscript for scope relevance, formatting, ethical compliance, plagiarism screening, and anonymization.
  2. External Double-Blind Peer Review (2–3 weeks)
    Manuscripts passing the initial screening are sent to a minimum of two PhD-qualified reviewers with expertise in the relevant field. Reviewers assess originality, methodology, academic quality, and relevance.
  3. Revision Stage (2–3 weeks)
    Authors receive reviewer feedback and must submit revised manuscripts within the specified timeframe.
  4. Final Editorial Evaluation (1–2 weeks)
    Revised manuscripts are reviewed to ensure compliance with reviewer recommendations before final acceptance.

Accepted articles are published online in the last weeks of March, June, September, and December. National authors are charged an Article Processing Fee of PKR 15,000, while international authors are charged USD 75. The Editorial Board may grant partial or full fee waivers to deserving authors upon written request and subject to approval.

Reviewer Selection Criteria

Reviewers are selected based on the following criteria:

  1. Possession of a PhD degree in the relevant discipline
  2. Proven research publications in reputable academic journals
  3. No institutional or personal affiliation with the author(s)

Resubmission and Appeals Policy

Resubmission

Authors must revise and resubmit manuscripts according to reviewer comments within the given deadline. If revisions are inadequate, further revisions may be requested.

Appeals

Authors may appeal editorial decisions by contacting the Editor at editor@hrj.com.pk, providing a reasoned and evidence-based justification. The Editorial Board’s decision on appeals is final.

Language Editing Policy

Authors are responsible for ensuring linguistic accuracy. Manuscripts should be free from grammatical, spelling, and syntactical errors. Authors whose native language is not English, Arabic, or Urdu are encouraged to seek professional language editing prior to submission.