Desk review
Every manuscript is first read by the editors, who check that it fits the journal’s aims and scope, meets its submission requirements and is of sufficient quality to send for review. Manuscripts that do not are returned to the authors, usually with a brief explanation.
Double-blind review
Manuscripts that pass desk review are sent to at least two independent reviewers with relevant expertise. The review is double-blind: reviewers do not know who the authors are, and authors do not know who reviewed their work.
Reviewers are asked to assess the originality and significance of the work, the soundness of its evidence and methods, the clarity of its argument and its relevance to the journal’s readers, and to recommend acceptance, minor revisions, major revisions or rejection.
Decisions
The editors make the final decision, taking the reviewers’ reports into account. Authors receive the decision with the reviewers’ comments. Revised manuscripts may be sent back to the same reviewers.
Book reviews and commentaries are normally assessed by the editors without external review.
Conflicts of interest and confidentiality
Editors and reviewers must declare any conflict of interest and step aside from manuscripts where one exists, for example a recent collaboration with an author or a shared institution. Manuscripts by members of the editorial team are handled by an editor with no involvement in the work, and their authors take no part in the decision.
Manuscripts under review are confidential. Reviewers must not share them or use what they learn from them before publication.
Appeals
Authors who believe a decision was based on a clear error may appeal by writing to info@cupa.org.pk and explaining why. Appeals are considered by an editor who was not involved in the original decision.