15. Responses to Published Work

Purpose

The Pakistan Journal of Gastroenterology (PJG) encourages constructive scientific dialogue and post-publication discussion as essential components of scholarly communication. The Journal welcomes evidence-based comments, critiques, clarifications, and discussions regarding published articles to promote scientific integrity, transparency, and continuous improvement of the scientific record.

This policy is developed in accordance with the recommendations of the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE), the International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE), and the World Association of Medical Editors (WAME).

15.1 Scope of Responses

The Journal welcomes responses relating to published articles, including:

  • Scientific comments.
  • Letters to the Editor.
  • Methodological concerns.
  • Requests for clarification.
  • Constructive criticism.
  • Discussion of study findings.
  • Alternative interpretations of results.
  • Identification of potential errors.

Responses should contribute to scientific discussion in a professional and respectful manner.

15.2 Submission of Responses

Responses to published work should:

  • Clearly identify the published article being discussed.
  • Be evidence-based and supported by appropriate references.
  • Maintain a respectful and professional tone.
  • Avoid personal criticism or defamatory language.
  • Be submitted within a reasonable period following publication, although the Journal may consider later submissions when scientifically justified.

15.3 Editorial Assessment

All responses undergo editorial evaluation to determine whether they:

  • Are relevant to the published article.
  • Contribute meaningfully to scientific discussion.
  • Are supported by appropriate scientific evidence.
  • Comply with the Journal's ethical and editorial standards.

The Editorial Office may edit accepted responses for clarity, grammar, style, and formatting without altering their scientific meaning.

15.4 Author Reply

When appropriate, the corresponding author(s) of the original article will be invited to submit a response.

Authors are encouraged to:

  • Address comments objectively.
  • Provide scientific clarification where necessary.
  • Correct factual inaccuracies if identified.
  • Maintain professional and respectful communication.

Where possible, the response and the author's reply may be published together.

15.5 Corrections Arising from Responses

If a published response identifies significant errors affecting the scientific record, the Journal may take appropriate editorial action, including:

  • Publication of a Correction (Erratum or Corrigendum).
  • Publication of an Editorial Note.
  • Expression of Concern.
  • Retraction, where warranted.

Such actions will be undertaken in accordance with the Journal's editorial policies and COPE guidance.

15.6 Limitations

The Journal will not publish responses that:

  • Contain defamatory or offensive language.
  • Include personal attacks.
  • Present unsupported allegations.
  • Promote commercial products or services.
  • Violate patient confidentiality or privacy.
  • Breach copyright or publication ethics.

Responses may be rejected if they do not meet the Journal's editorial standards.

15.7 Editorial Independence

The decision to publish a response or an author's reply rests solely with the Editor-in-Chief.

Editorial decisions are based on:

  • Scientific merit.
  • Relevance.
  • Accuracy.
  • Ethical compliance.
  • Value to the readership.

Publication of a response does not necessarily imply endorsement by the Journal or its Editorial Board.

15.8 Policy Compliance

By submitting a response, authors confirm that:

  • The submission is original.
  • Statements are accurate and supported by evidence.
  • Any conflicts of interest have been disclosed.
  • The response complies with the Journal's ethical and editorial policies.

References

This policy has been developed in accordance with:

  • Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) – Core Practices and Post-Publication Discussions.
  • International Committee of Medical Journal Editors (ICMJE) Recommendations.
  • World Association of Medical Editors (WAME) Recommendations.
  • Principles of Transparency and Best Practice in Scholarly Publishing (DOAJ, COPE, OASPA, WAME).