Plagiarism and AI Policy

Plagiarism and AI Policy

Pakistan Research Letter (PRL)

1. Introduction

The Pakistan Research Letter (PRL) is committed to publishing original, high-quality research across diverse academic disciplines. Maintaining academic integrity, originality, and ethical research conduct is central to the journal’s mission.

PRL enforces strict policies regarding plagiarism, self-plagiarism, and responsible use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the research, writing, and publication process. All authors submitting manuscripts to PRL are required to comply with these policies. Failure to adhere may result in manuscript rejection, retraction, or other disciplinary measures.

2. Plagiarism Policy

2.1 Definition of Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the use of another person’s words, ideas, research findings, data, or analysis without proper acknowledgment. In the context of academic research, plagiarism includes but is not limited to:

  • Copying text verbatim from books, journal articles, reports, or online sources without citation.

  • Paraphrasing another researcher’s ideas, concepts, theoretical frameworks, or findings without proper attribution.

  • Using others’ data, figures, tables, case studies, or research results as original work.

  • Presenting material from unpublished theses, dissertations, working papers, or conference proceedings without citation.

Both intentional and unintentional plagiarism is considered a serious violation of academic ethics.

2.2 Types of Plagiarism Recognized by PRL

a. Direct Plagiarism

Word-for-word copying of content from any source without quotation marks or citation.

b. Mosaic / Patchwork Plagiarism

Combining text from multiple sources without proper acknowledgment.

c. Data Plagiarism

Using someone else’s datasets, statistical analysis, or empirical results without attribution.

d. Idea Plagiarism

Adopting another researcher’s hypothesis, conceptual model, or analytical framework without acknowledgment.

e. Source Plagiarism

Relying on secondary sources without proper citation of the primary source.

2.3 Self-Plagiarism

Self-plagiarism occurs when authors reuse portions of their previously published work without citation or disclosure, including:

  • Literature review or theoretical framework sections.

  • Repetition of methodology, analysis, or results.

  • Resubmission of datasets, figures, tables, or case studies.

Self-plagiarism is acceptable only if:

  • Reused material is minimal and properly cited.

  • The manuscript offers significant new contributions.

  • Prior publications are clearly disclosed at submission.

Duplicate submission to multiple journals is strictly prohibited.

2.4 Plagiarism Detection

All manuscripts submitted to PRL undergo plagiarism screening using professional similarity detection software.

  • A similarity index below 15% (excluding references, quotations, and standard terminology) is generally acceptable.

  • Higher similarity in literature review, methodology, analysis, or conclusions may result in rejection.

  • Uncited reproduction of tables, figures, or datasets results in automatic rejection.

  • Authors may be asked to clarify or revise minor overlaps.

The editorial board makes final determinations regarding plagiarism.

2.5 Consequences of Plagiarism

If plagiarism is detected, PRL may take the following actions:

  • Immediate rejection of the manuscript.

  • Retraction of a published article, with a formal notice.

  • Notification to the author’s institution, funding agency, or professional body.

  • Temporary or permanent ban on future submissions.

  • Publication of a formal ethical violation statement if necessary.

PRL follows COPE and international ethical guidelines in handling misconduct.

3. Artificial Intelligence (AI) Use Policy

3.1 Guiding Principle

AI tools may support, but cannot replace, scholarly thinking, analysis, or conceptual development. Authors must ensure that AI is used responsibly and ethically.

3.2 Acceptable Uses of AI Tools

AI tools may be used for:

  • Grammar, spelling, and language refinement.

  • Formatting citations, references, headings, tables, and figures.

  • Visualization of author-supplied datasets (charts, graphs).

  • Statistical calculations or modeling, provided results are independently verified.

  • Qualitative coding assistance with manual validation and interpretation.

All AI use must be fully disclosed.

3.3 Prohibited Uses of AI Tools

AI cannot be used for:

  • Generating literature reviews, theoretical frameworks, hypotheses, or conclusions.

  • Fabricating data, results, or research findings.

  • Producing fake or unverifiable references or citations.

  • Interpreting results, drawing conclusions, or making recommendations without human oversight.

  • Analyzing confidential or sensitive data without ethical approval.

Improper use of AI constitutes academic misconduct.

3.4 AI Disclosure Requirement

Authors must include an AI Use Disclosure Statement, specifying:

  • The AI tool(s) used.

  • The purpose of AI assistance.

  • Confirmation that all intellectual contributions, analyses, and interpretations were performed by human authors.

Sample Disclosure Statement:
“AI-assisted tools were used solely for language editing and reference formatting. All research conceptualization, analysis, and interpretation were completed independently by the authors.”

Failure to disclose AI use may lead to rejection or retraction.

3.5 Author Responsibility

Authors are fully responsible for:

  • Accuracy, authenticity, and reliability of AI-assisted content.

  • Ensuring no fabricated, biased, or misleading content is included.

  • Maintaining confidentiality of research participants, organizations, or sensitive data.

  • Upholding professional and ethical standards throughout the research and publication process.

AI tools cannot be credited as authors or co-authors.

4. Editorial Responsibilities

The editorial board of PRL is responsible for:

  • Screening submissions for plagiarism and improper AI usage.

  • Ensuring compliance with ethical standards, including COPE and ICMJE guidelines.

  • Requesting raw data, supporting documentation, or institutional permissions if required.

  • Handling ethical concerns transparently and impartially.

  • Updating policies as technology, research practices, and ethical standards evolve.

5. Policy Review and Updates

This policy is reviewed periodically to reflect:

  • Advances in AI technologies.

  • Emerging ethical issues in academic research.

  • Updates to international best practices in scholarly publishing.

All revisions are publicly available on the official PRL website.