Journal Workflow

(Submission → Review → Revision → Acceptance → Publication)
Fikr e Iqbal follows a transparent, ethical, and internationally recognised editorial workflow designed to ensure the highest standards of academic quality, integrity, and peer review excellence.
1. Submission Stage
1.1 Online Submission or Email
•    Authors submit manuscripts through the journal’s email.
•    Required files include:
•    Main manuscript (anonymous)
•    Title page (author details)
•    Abstract & keywords
•    Ethical compliance statement
•    Conflict of interest declaration
1.2 Initial Acknowledgement
•    The Editorial Office acknowledges receipt within 3–10 working days.
2. Initial Editorial Screening
2.1 Scope & Quality Check
The Editor in Chief and Editorial Team evaluate the manuscript for:
•    Relevance to the journal’s aims & scope
•    Originality and academic merit
•    Structural and formatting compliance
•    Language quality
2.2 Plagiarism Screening
•    Manuscripts are checked using plagiarism detection software.
•    Acceptable similarity follows HEC & COPE standards.
•    Manuscripts with unethical similarity are desk rejected.
2.3 Desk Decision
Outcomes at this stage:
•    Proceed to peer review
•    Request technical corrections
•    Desk rejection (with reasons)
3. Peer Review Stage (Double Blind Review)
3.1 Reviewer Assignment
•    At least two independent reviewers with subject expertise are selected.
•    In case of conflicting reviews, a third reviewer may be appointed.
3.2 Review Duration
•    Standard review time: 4–8 weeks.
3.3 Reviewer Evaluation Criteria
Reviewers assess:
•    Originality and contribution to knowledge
•    Theoretical and conceptual strength
•    Methodological rigour
•    Relevance to Iqbal Studies
•    Clarity, coherence, and academic quality
•    Ethical compliance
3.4 Review Outcomes
•    Accept
•    Minor Revision
•    Major Revision
•    Resubmit for Review
•    Reject
4. Revision Stage
4.1 Author Revision
•    Authors submit a revised manuscript along with a point-by-point response to reviewer comments.
•    Revision timeline:
•    Minor revision: 1–2 weeks
•    Major revision: 3–6 weeks
4.2 Re-evaluation
•    Revised manuscripts may be resent to reviewers or evaluated by editors depending on the extent of changes.
5. Final Decision
5.1 Editorial Review
The Editor in Chief makes the final decision based on:
•    Reviewer recommendations
•    Quality of revisions
•    Academic merit and originality
5.2 Acceptance Notification
Authors receive an official acceptance letter.
6. Production Stage
6.1 Copyediting
•    Manuscript undergoes professional copyediting for:
•    Grammar
•    Style
•    Formatting
•    Reference accuracy
6.2 Typesetting & Layout
•    The article is formatted into the journal’s publication template.
6.3 Author Proofs
•    Authors review and approve final proofs before publication.
7. Publication Stage
7.1 Online First
•    Accepted articles may be published online ahead of the full issue.
7.2 Issue Publication
•    Articles are published in the scheduled issue with:
•    DOI assignment
•    Metadata indexing
•    Open access availability
7.3 Archiving
•    Articles are archived in:
•    Institutional repository
•    OJS system
•    LOCKSS/CLOCKSS compatible preservation
•    Indexing databases (as applicable)
8. Post Publication Stage
8.1 Indexing
•    Metadata is shared with indexing services (DOAJ, Google Scholar, Crossref, etc.).
8.2 Corrections & Retractions
•    Corrections, errata, or retractions follow COPE guidelines.
8.3 Promotion
•    Articles may be promoted through academic networks, newsletters, and social platforms.