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Papers by Anam Abid Butt

Journal of Political Studies, 2014

IntroductionSince its inception after World War II, the UN has resorted to sanctions as a coerciv... more IntroductionSince its inception after World War II, the UN has resorted to sanctions as a coercive enforcement tool whenever there is any threat to international peace and security or act of aggression from a country. In fact, of the very few instruments available to the UN Security Council (UNSC) to prevent the breach of international law, to maintain or restore world peace and security and for implementation of its decisions, sanctions are considered one of the most effective tools. However, prior to the disintegration of Soviet Union, the UNSC could not to take comprehensive and effective measures towards the conflicts between states or a folly act of a state as it refrained to apply tool of sanctions due to the Cold War politics. Nevertheless, the end of Cold War provided the prospect to revert to the notion of collective security and there has been an increase in the use of sanctions by the UNSC.A well known and distinct example of UN sanctions regime is its 'Comprehensive ...

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a comprehensive development deal that not only establi... more China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a comprehensive development deal that not only establishes economic and strategic connectivity between Pakistan and China but also has the potential of integrating other sub-regions of Asia and could play a key role in improving economic and strategic environment. However, for some regional and extra-regional actors, CPEC is like an awful dream and has met criticism as it affects business of some countries and threatens the political interests of some others. Nonetheless, if implemented as planned, CPEC can offer infinite bounties to many countries that can provide benefits in the long run. At present, Pakistan and China need to engage the concerned regional actors strategically and should counter the threats to CPEC rationally in order to make this project a success. Therefore, the paper attempts to answer the following questions: What are the potential benefits of CPEC for Pakistan and China and different regional actors? What challenges CPEC could face in the region? How the regional and extra regional actors view this project? In the end, the authors will try to figure out some solutions for the potential challenges.

Since the imposition of Israeli blockade on Gaza in 2007, a humanitarian crisis has emerged in th... more Since the imposition of Israeli blockade on Gaza in 2007, a humanitarian crisis has emerged in the region. Gaza has turned into a vast 'Human Cage' on the eastern Mediterranean where 1.8 million human beings have been trapped, seems, they have no chance of escaping from their grave condition. Israeli occupation along with its prolonged and comprehensive blockade has been associated with numerous violations International Humanitarian Law. By restricting trade and people's movement, the blockade has ruined spectrum of civilians' basic rights and is halting the essential rehabilitation efforts. The blockade has led to extensive erosion of livelihoods, and a destruction of infrastructure and other essential social services. The repercussion for the civilian population is intense, pervasive and difficult. The blockade put big question mark on the responsibilities of Israel as an occupant to look after safety and well-being of civilians in Gaza. The International Community is of the view that the blockade amounts to a collective punishment of people in Gaza. On the other hand, Israel upholds that the blockade is lawful and is required to stop Hamas's hostile activities and rocket attacks on its cities and to check Hamas arms supply from abroad. However, because of this situation the common citizens of this thin strip find themselves caught between the fusillades of two uncompromising, hard-headed opponents and paying the excessive cost in their blood. At present, the issue has become very complex and intractable in the Arab world and can cause threats to its peace and security. In this crucial state, the International Community including the United Nations, the European Union and Organization of Islamic Conference seem unable to take effective steps to resolve this prolonged conflict.

Sanctions are penalties or restrictions imposed by a state, group of states or an international o... more Sanctions are penalties or restrictions imposed by a state, group of states or an international organization on another state, usually involved in the act of international delinquency, to compel that state to amend its behaviour or to change its conduct or policies. At present, sanctions have become an important tool of coercion which the United Nations (UN) applies against states that are indulged in threatening of international law or peace and established international norms. However, these measures can have immense effects for the targeted state and its population as a whole. The UN sanctions imposed on Iraq from 1990 to 2003 are considered the most comprehensive and effectively enforced sanctions. This case is an example of the grave cost in human suffering that sanctions can exert on a country which turns into almost a breakdown in economic, social and political structures. Due to its effects on Iraqi populace, UN sanctions tool has earned huge criticism from many commentators, stakeholders and international elites. An account will be provided of the effects of thirteen years long UN sanctions on Iraq and causing factors. During this thirteen years period, a criminal silence on the part of Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), Arab League and international community has been observed. Russia and China, the permanent members of the Security Council (SC), were not more than spectators during the period for some dubious reasons. The UN, the most prestigious international organization, strengthened the perception that it was a porous body and played a second fiddle to the U.S. It cannot be rejected that UN has been mostly protecting the interests of powerful nations. Furthermore, efforts would be made to figure out some useful recommendations for the improvement of UN sanctions mechanism so that the sufferings of the sanctioned society could be reduced in future sanctions regimes.

Conference Presentations by Anam Abid Butt

Proceedings of International Conference on CPEC , 2015

Over the years, the two all-weather friends‘ – China and Pakistan – have developed strong politic... more Over the years, the two all-weather friends‘ – China and Pakistan – have developed strong political, defense, and strategic relations. Since the beginning of this decade, both states have been giving much importance to strengthen their economic ties that have remained shallow in the past. In this regard, the year 2015 proved to be a milestone as both countries decided to move ahead with their plan to establish China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which has given a new stimulus to both states for improving their economic relations. CPEC is a comprehensive development deal which not only establishes
economic and strategic connectivity between Pakistan and China but is also having the potential of integrating other sub
regions of Asia and could play a key role in improving economic and strategic environment. However, for some regional and extra-regional actors, CPEC is like an awful dream that has met some criticism mainly because it affects business for some countries and threatens the political interests of some others. In the view of foregoing, this paper attempts to answer the
following questions: What are the potential benefits of the CPEC for different regional actors? What challenges CPEC could
face in the region? How the regional and extra regional actors view this project? In the end, the authors have tried to figure out
some solutions to the potential challenges for CPEC.

Proceedings of International Conference on Inter-Regional Connectivity: South Asia And Central Asia , 2016

In the contemporary scenario, new economic developments have pointed towards the growing inter-re... more In the contemporary scenario, new economic developments have pointed towards the growing inter-regional trade through economic corridors which are becoming instrumental in the progress and expansion of the regional economies. This increasing perception is also prompting South and Central Asian states to consider options in terms of forming close relations through economic linkages and ultimately create strong inter-regional economic cooperation which is the need of the hour. For the realization of this goal, CPEC can be effectively exploited to create an integrative line between Pakistan and Central Asian States particularly Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan via Afghanistan to engage and involve these republics into this profit-seeking venture to create an environment for the comprehensive and sustainable progress to promote peace and stability in the whole region. Thus this paper explains that the CPEC can prove to be that much-needed economic lifeline for
this region which has the capacity to provide various choices for shaping a mutually beneficial relationship and can increase the sanguinity regarding Pakistan benefitting from the economic powerhouse states of Central Asia whereas, the later facilitating with productive trade, pipeline routes and getting access to the outside world as well. The paper also argues that in order to create win-win outcomes, Pakistan not only needs to put attractive ingredients into the ‘melting pot of Central Asia’ but the hurdles in the way of faster interaction with these states must be resolved through prudent policy options to convert this region into a harmonious whole with coordinated regional economies.

Journal of Political Studies, 2014

IntroductionSince its inception after World War II, the UN has resorted to sanctions as a coerciv... more IntroductionSince its inception after World War II, the UN has resorted to sanctions as a coercive enforcement tool whenever there is any threat to international peace and security or act of aggression from a country. In fact, of the very few instruments available to the UN Security Council (UNSC) to prevent the breach of international law, to maintain or restore world peace and security and for implementation of its decisions, sanctions are considered one of the most effective tools. However, prior to the disintegration of Soviet Union, the UNSC could not to take comprehensive and effective measures towards the conflicts between states or a folly act of a state as it refrained to apply tool of sanctions due to the Cold War politics. Nevertheless, the end of Cold War provided the prospect to revert to the notion of collective security and there has been an increase in the use of sanctions by the UNSC.A well known and distinct example of UN sanctions regime is its 'Comprehensive ...

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a comprehensive development deal that not only establi... more China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a comprehensive development deal that not only establishes economic and strategic connectivity between Pakistan and China but also has the potential of integrating other sub-regions of Asia and could play a key role in improving economic and strategic environment. However, for some regional and extra-regional actors, CPEC is like an awful dream and has met criticism as it affects business of some countries and threatens the political interests of some others. Nonetheless, if implemented as planned, CPEC can offer infinite bounties to many countries that can provide benefits in the long run. At present, Pakistan and China need to engage the concerned regional actors strategically and should counter the threats to CPEC rationally in order to make this project a success. Therefore, the paper attempts to answer the following questions: What are the potential benefits of CPEC for Pakistan and China and different regional actors? What challenges CPEC could face in the region? How the regional and extra regional actors view this project? In the end, the authors will try to figure out some solutions for the potential challenges.

Since the imposition of Israeli blockade on Gaza in 2007, a humanitarian crisis has emerged in th... more Since the imposition of Israeli blockade on Gaza in 2007, a humanitarian crisis has emerged in the region. Gaza has turned into a vast 'Human Cage' on the eastern Mediterranean where 1.8 million human beings have been trapped, seems, they have no chance of escaping from their grave condition. Israeli occupation along with its prolonged and comprehensive blockade has been associated with numerous violations International Humanitarian Law. By restricting trade and people's movement, the blockade has ruined spectrum of civilians' basic rights and is halting the essential rehabilitation efforts. The blockade has led to extensive erosion of livelihoods, and a destruction of infrastructure and other essential social services. The repercussion for the civilian population is intense, pervasive and difficult. The blockade put big question mark on the responsibilities of Israel as an occupant to look after safety and well-being of civilians in Gaza. The International Community is of the view that the blockade amounts to a collective punishment of people in Gaza. On the other hand, Israel upholds that the blockade is lawful and is required to stop Hamas's hostile activities and rocket attacks on its cities and to check Hamas arms supply from abroad. However, because of this situation the common citizens of this thin strip find themselves caught between the fusillades of two uncompromising, hard-headed opponents and paying the excessive cost in their blood. At present, the issue has become very complex and intractable in the Arab world and can cause threats to its peace and security. In this crucial state, the International Community including the United Nations, the European Union and Organization of Islamic Conference seem unable to take effective steps to resolve this prolonged conflict.

Sanctions are penalties or restrictions imposed by a state, group of states or an international o... more Sanctions are penalties or restrictions imposed by a state, group of states or an international organization on another state, usually involved in the act of international delinquency, to compel that state to amend its behaviour or to change its conduct or policies. At present, sanctions have become an important tool of coercion which the United Nations (UN) applies against states that are indulged in threatening of international law or peace and established international norms. However, these measures can have immense effects for the targeted state and its population as a whole. The UN sanctions imposed on Iraq from 1990 to 2003 are considered the most comprehensive and effectively enforced sanctions. This case is an example of the grave cost in human suffering that sanctions can exert on a country which turns into almost a breakdown in economic, social and political structures. Due to its effects on Iraqi populace, UN sanctions tool has earned huge criticism from many commentators, stakeholders and international elites. An account will be provided of the effects of thirteen years long UN sanctions on Iraq and causing factors. During this thirteen years period, a criminal silence on the part of Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC), Arab League and international community has been observed. Russia and China, the permanent members of the Security Council (SC), were not more than spectators during the period for some dubious reasons. The UN, the most prestigious international organization, strengthened the perception that it was a porous body and played a second fiddle to the U.S. It cannot be rejected that UN has been mostly protecting the interests of powerful nations. Furthermore, efforts would be made to figure out some useful recommendations for the improvement of UN sanctions mechanism so that the sufferings of the sanctioned society could be reduced in future sanctions regimes.

Proceedings of International Conference on CPEC , 2015

Over the years, the two all-weather friends‘ – China and Pakistan – have developed strong politic... more Over the years, the two all-weather friends‘ – China and Pakistan – have developed strong political, defense, and strategic relations. Since the beginning of this decade, both states have been giving much importance to strengthen their economic ties that have remained shallow in the past. In this regard, the year 2015 proved to be a milestone as both countries decided to move ahead with their plan to establish China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which has given a new stimulus to both states for improving their economic relations. CPEC is a comprehensive development deal which not only establishes
economic and strategic connectivity between Pakistan and China but is also having the potential of integrating other sub
regions of Asia and could play a key role in improving economic and strategic environment. However, for some regional and extra-regional actors, CPEC is like an awful dream that has met some criticism mainly because it affects business for some countries and threatens the political interests of some others. In the view of foregoing, this paper attempts to answer the
following questions: What are the potential benefits of the CPEC for different regional actors? What challenges CPEC could
face in the region? How the regional and extra regional actors view this project? In the end, the authors have tried to figure out
some solutions to the potential challenges for CPEC.

Proceedings of International Conference on Inter-Regional Connectivity: South Asia And Central Asia , 2016

In the contemporary scenario, new economic developments have pointed towards the growing inter-re... more In the contemporary scenario, new economic developments have pointed towards the growing inter-regional trade through economic corridors which are becoming instrumental in the progress and expansion of the regional economies. This increasing perception is also prompting South and Central Asian states to consider options in terms of forming close relations through economic linkages and ultimately create strong inter-regional economic cooperation which is the need of the hour. For the realization of this goal, CPEC can be effectively exploited to create an integrative line between Pakistan and Central Asian States particularly Tajikistan, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan via Afghanistan to engage and involve these republics into this profit-seeking venture to create an environment for the comprehensive and sustainable progress to promote peace and stability in the whole region. Thus this paper explains that the CPEC can prove to be that much-needed economic lifeline for
this region which has the capacity to provide various choices for shaping a mutually beneficial relationship and can increase the sanguinity regarding Pakistan benefitting from the economic powerhouse states of Central Asia whereas, the later facilitating with productive trade, pipeline routes and getting access to the outside world as well. The paper also argues that in order to create win-win outcomes, Pakistan not only needs to put attractive ingredients into the ‘melting pot of Central Asia’ but the hurdles in the way of faster interaction with these states must be resolved through prudent policy options to convert this region into a harmonious whole with coordinated regional economies.