Complaints & Misconduct Policy

Complaints and Misconduct Policy

The Gandhara Journal of Natural Sciences (GJNS) upholds the highest standards of publication ethics and integrity, ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in all editorial processes. This policy outlines procedures for handling complaints, disputes, and cases of research or publication misconduct in line with COPE Core Practices and international norms.

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Scope of the Policy

This policy applies to:

Authors
Reviewers
Editors and Editorial Staff
Readers and External Stakeholders

It covers complaints and misconduct related to:
✅ Editorial decision-making or delays
✅ Peer review irregularities
✅ Plagiarism and data falsification
✅ Authorship disputes and inappropriate attribution
✅ Conflicts of interest (undisclosed financial or personal relationships)
✅ Ethical concerns in published articles
✅ Breaches of confidentiality or data protection

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Phase 1: Complaints Handling Procedure

1.1 Filing a Complaint

Complaints may be submitted regarding:

Unreasonable editorial delays
Unfair treatment during the peer review process
Ethical issues in published content
Breaches of confidentiality or data misuse

How to Submit a Complaint:
Email: [Insert official GJNS editorial email]
CC: rpashtoon@hotmail.com
Subject Line: “Complaint – GJNS”

Please include:
✅ Full name and contact information
✅ Manuscript ID (if applicable)
✅ Detailed description of the complaint
✅ Supporting documentation or evidence

1.2 Acknowledgment and Initial Assessment

Acknowledgment: Within 5 working days
Preliminary Assessment: Determines validity and whether escalation is required

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Phase 2: Misconduct Investigation

2.1 Definition of Misconduct

Misconduct includes, but is not limited to:

Plagiarism: Unattributed copying of others’ work
Data Fabrication or Falsification
Redundant Publication (Self-Plagiarism)
Improper Authorship Attribution
Undisclosed Conflicts of Interest
Peer Review Manipulation or Bias
Image/Data Manipulation
Harassment or Intimidation in Editorial Communication

2.2 Investigation Process

Step 1: Formation of an Ethics Committee (minimum 3 independent editorial board members)
Step 2: Notification of involved parties with opportunity to respond
Step 3: Collection and evaluation of evidence (similarity reports, correspondence, data)
Step 4: Decision and recommendation of corrective actions

Possible Outcomes

✅ No Action (if no misconduct is found)
✅ Minor Correction (for unintentional errors)
✅ Retraction of Article (for serious misconduct)
✅ Author Sanctions (e.g., temporary or permanent submission bans)
✅ Notification of Author’s Institution or Funding Agency

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Phase 3: Post-Investigation Actions

3.1 Retractions, Corrections, and Expressions of Concern

Retractions: Clearly labeled and linked to the original article with reason for retraction
Erratum/Corrigendum: For minor but significant corrections
Expressions of Concern: Published when investigations are inconclusive but concerns persist

3.2 Sanctions and Reporting

Authors or reviewers found guilty may be banned (e.g., 2–5 years)
Institutions and funding bodies may be informed of findings
Extreme cases may involve reporting to regulatory bodies

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Cultural, Ethical, and Legal Considerations

All investigations and actions are conducted with sensitivity to Afghan cultural values and Islamic ethical principles, while adhering to international standards (COPE, ICMJE).

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Timeline for Handling Complaints

Action	Timeframe
Acknowledgment of complaint	Within 5 working days
Completion of investigation	4–8 weeks
Communication of final decision	Within 7 days post-investigation

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Optional Enhancements for GJNS

1. Flowchart diagram of complaint handling & misconduct investigation (for website)
2. Visual table of misconduct types and corresponding journal actions
3. “Report a Concern” quick link button for online form submission

Contact for Complaints or Ethical Concerns

Email: [Insert official GJNS editorial email]
CC: rpashtoon@hotmail.com
Editorial Office – Gandhara Journal of Natural Sciences, Kandahar University

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Alignment with International Standards

This policy aligns with: