Correction and Retraction Policy

Journal of Bacha Khan Medical College (JBKMC), Mardan, Pakistan

The Journal of Bacha Khan Medical College (JBKMC) is committed to upholding the integrity of the scholarly record. In accordance with the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) and ICMJE guidelines, the journal has established a clear policy for handling corrections, retractions, and expressions of concern to maintain transparency, accuracy, and accountability in academic publishing.

1. Corrections (Errata/Corrections of Record)

Corrections are issued when a published article contains minor errors that do not alter the overall results, interpretations, or conclusions of the work but need to be rectified for clarity or accuracy.

Examples include:

  • Typographical errors in names, affiliations, or funding details

  • Minor errors in data presentation (e.g., tables or figures) that do not impact the findings

  • Omissions of acknowledgments or contributor details

Policy:

  • Corrections are published in the next available issue and linked to the original article online.

  • The corrected article remains in the archive with a note indicating that a correction has been published.

2. Retractions

A retraction is issued when a published article contains serious errors or ethical breaches that invalidate the study’s findings or compromise its integrity.

Grounds for retraction include:

  • Fabrication or falsification of data

  • Plagiarism

  • Duplicate or redundant publication

  • Unethical research (e.g., lack of informed consent, IRB approval)

  • Major errors that undermine the validity of results

Policy:

  • Retraction requests may be initiated by authors, editors, or institutional representatives.

  • The editorial team conducts a formal investigation in line with COPE guidelines.

  • If retraction is warranted, a Retraction Notice will be published and linked to the original article.

  • The original article will be watermarked as “Retracted” and remain in the public record for transparency.

3. Expressions of Concern

An Expression of Concern may be issued when:

  • There is inconclusive evidence of misconduct or error

  • The article is the subject of an ongoing investigation

  • Authors are unresponsive to queries regarding concerns raised

Policy:

  • An editorial note will be published and linked to the article in question, explaining the nature of the concern.

  • Once the issue is resolved, the journal will either publish a correction, retraction, or remove the concern, as appropriate.

4. Process Overview

  • Concerns must be submitted in writing to: jbkmc@bkmc.edu.pk

  • All claims are reviewed confidentially and may involve consultation with external experts or the authors' institutions.

  • Authors are given an opportunity to respond before any decision is made.

  • All corrections and retractions are clearly labeled, freely accessible, and linked to the original publication.

JBKMC’s commitment to publication ethics ensures that the scientific record is kept accurate, trustworthy, and complete, in accordance with global standards of editorial responsibility.

For more information, contact:
Email: jbkmc@bkmc.edu.pk