Bio
Saqib is COO and co-founder at A47 AI, where he runs operations and leads the prediction-markets initiative. He covers crypto, Web3, and the decentralization of the sport and entertainment economy.
Editorial Responsibility
As A47's prediction-markets and crypto editor, I am responsible for our coverage of these markets and Web3 — ensuring it is grounded in real product, data, and revenue rather than speculation.
Previous experience · 14+ years
- · WPP Media (GroupM PK, Wavemaker PH)
- · MYCO
- · ARY Digital Network
Education
MBA Marketing, SZABIST
Areas of expertise
Categories overseen
Stories from Saqib Pathan’s desk
4394 stories- Economy· World
Iran War Blockade Causes Fertilizer Crisis for U.S. Farmers
The ongoing Iran War has led to a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, causing fertilizer prices to surge and impacting 70% of U.S. farmers' ability to afford necessary supplies. This crisis is triggered by the geopolitical conflict that has disrupted one-third of global fertilizer shipments since February 28, 2026. As a result, U.S. farmers are shifting crop production strategies and adopting regenerative practices to cope with rising costs and reduced availability.
3 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Business· World
HSBC Reports Customer Shift to Risk-Off Mode Amid Iran Conflict
HSBC Asia and Middle East Co-CEO David Liao announced a significant shift in customer behavior towards a 'risk-off mode' due to escalating tensions from the ongoing Iran conflict. This shift is occurring now as geopolitical uncertainties, including military actions and oil supply disruptions, are impacting market confidence. In the long term, this could lead to increased demand for safe-haven investments and a reevaluation of risk strategies among financial institutions and clients alike.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
IEA Projects Largest Quarterly Oil Demand Drop Since COVID-19 Due to Middle East War Disruptions
The International Energy Agency has forecasted a 1.5 million barrels per day decline in global oil demand for Q2 2026, marking the sharpest quarterly drop since the COVID-19 pandemic. This decline is triggered by unprecedented supply disruptions from the ongoing Middle East war, particularly affecting the Strait of Hormuz. Long-term, this situation may lead to sustained high oil prices and further demand destruction across global markets.
12 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
EU Doubles Steel Import Tariffs and Cuts Quotas, Threatening UK Exports
The European Union has finalized an agreement to double out-of-quota tariffs on steel imports to 50% and reduce duty-free quotas by 47%, effective July 2026. This decision is driven by a surge in low-cost steel imports, particularly from China, and aims to protect the EU's domestic industry while impacting UK steel exports significantly. In response, the UK government is expected to implement reciprocal measures to safeguard its steel industry and negotiate new trade agreements.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
US Oil Executives Urge Trump to Reject Iranian Tolls on Strait of Hormuz
On April 16, 2026, senior US oil executives warned President Donald Trump to reject Iran's proposal to impose tolls on tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations. This lobbying is occurring as the Trump administration navigates a fragile ceasefire following Iran's blockade of the strait, which has severely impacted global oil flows. The long-term implication could be a heightened energy crisis if Iran gains control over this critical maritime chokepoint.
4 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Amazon acquires Globalstar for $11.57 billion to enhance satellite network and iPhone services
On April 14, 2026, Amazon announced its acquisition of Globalstar for approximately $11.57 billion, integrating its satellite capabilities into Amazon's Project Leo. This strategic move is driven by Amazon's need to enhance its satellite services and compete with SpaceX's Starlink, while also securing satellite connectivity for Apple's iPhone Emergency SOS feature. In the long term, this acquisition is expected to bolster Amazon's position in the satellite communications market and expand its service offerings significantly by 2028.
33 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia Extends $8 Billion Financial Support to Pakistan Amid Economic Pressures
On April 16, 2026, Saudi Arabia announced the extension of a $5 billion deposit and an additional $3 billion to the State Bank of Pakistan. This initiative is aimed at stabilizing Pakistan's economy, which is currently facing balance-of-payments pressures and a looming repayment to the UAE. The long-term implication is a strengthened bilateral relationship that may lead to further economic cooperation and support from Saudi Arabia in the future.
11 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
CMA Orders AA and BSM Driving Schools to Refund £760,000 for Drip Pricing Violations
The United Kingdom's Competition and Markets Authority has mandated that AA Driving School and BSM Driving School refund over £760,000 to more than 80,000 learners due to undisclosed mandatory booking fees. This enforcement action follows the activation of enhanced consumer protection powers under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, which allowed the CMA to directly address such violations. The long-term implication is a likely increase in scrutiny and regulatory actions across the online service sector regarding pricing transparency and consumer rights.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
Global Stock Markets Surge on US-Iran Peace Negotiation Hopes
Global stock markets experienced a rally on April 16, 2026, following optimistic statements from US President Donald Trump regarding potential peace talks with Iran amid the ongoing Mideast conflict. This surge is driven by investor anticipation of a resolution to the Iran nuclear issue and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has significantly impacted global oil supplies. If negotiations succeed, a long-term stabilization of the region could lead to sustained market growth and reduced energy price volatility.
11 sourcesApr 17High
- Business· MENA
TotalEnergies Projects Earnings Surge Amid Middle East Oil Price Spike
TotalEnergies SE has forecasted a significant increase in first-quarter 2026 earnings due to strong trading performance and elevated oil prices. This surge is triggered by market volatility and disruptions caused by the ongoing Iran war, which has led to a substantial rise in crude prices despite production losses in the Middle East. Long-term, this situation may prompt further strategic trading maneuvers and adjustments in energy supply chains as companies adapt to geopolitical tensions.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Crypto· World
Jai Patel resigns as CEO of Stack BTC amid leadership changes
Jai Patel resigned as CEO of Stack BTC on April 15, 2026. This leadership transition follows the company's relaunch in March 2026 and aims to enhance its bitcoin treasury and acquisition strategy. The long-term implication may involve increased scrutiny on the firm's management practices and potential regulatory responses due to its political connections.
4 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
UK GDP Grows 0.5% in February 2026 Amid Iran War Onset
The United Kingdom's GDP expanded by 0.5% month-on-month in February 2026, marking the strongest growth since January 2024. This growth surge is occurring just before the Iran war's onset on February 28, 2026, which has disrupted energy supplies and raised inflation risks. Long-term, the UK economy faces vulnerabilities from energy price shocks and potential labor market softening due to the ongoing geopolitical crisis.
4 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Business· World
Fire at Viva Energy Geelong Refinery Disrupts 10 Percent of Australia's Fuel Supply
A fire broke out at the Viva Energy oil refinery in Geelong, Australia, on April 15, 2026, due to an equipment failure that ignited a gas leak. The incident occurs amid ongoing disruptions to fuel imports from the Middle East, exacerbating Australia's already strained fuel supply situation. Long-term implications include potential petrol price increases and heightened scrutiny on aging infrastructure in the energy sector.
8 sourcesApr 17High
- Business· World
Tesco PLC Issues Profit Warning Amid Iran War Uncertainty
On April 16, 2026, Tesco PLC warned of a potential profit decline for the fiscal year 2026/27 due to escalating uncertainty from the ongoing Iran war. The immediate trigger for this warning is the geopolitical volatility affecting energy prices and consumer spending, which could disrupt supply chains. Long-term implications may include increased inflation pressures on UK households and potential shifts in the supermarket sector's operational strategies.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
easyJet Projects £540–560 Million Pretax Loss Due to Middle East Conflict Fuel Surge
On 16 April 2026, easyJet plc announced a forecasted headline pretax loss of £540–560 million for the first half of the fiscal year, significantly widening from the previous year's loss. This financial downturn is primarily attributed to a £25 million increase in jet fuel costs linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict, alongside intensified competition and legal provisions. The airline's withdrawal of full-year guidance indicates a challenging outlook for the aviation sector amid volatile fuel prices and shifting customer demand.
5 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Repsol Regains Control of Venezuelan Petroquiriquire Oil Field to Increase Production
Repsol has signed an agreement with the Venezuelan government and PDVSA to regain operational control of the Petroquiriquire oil field, aiming to increase production from 45,000 barrels per day to 135,000 barrels per day within three years. This development follows the easing of U.S. sanctions after the capture of Maduro, allowing foreign investment in Venezuela's energy sector. The long-term implication is a potential revitalization of Venezuela's oil industry, which could impact global oil supply and prices.
4 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Economy· World
United States Industrial Production Declines 0.5 Percent Amid Geopolitical Tensions
The United States experienced a 0.5 percent decline in industrial production for March 2026, as reported by the Federal Reserve. This downturn is attributed to escalating geopolitical tensions from the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, which has significantly increased oil prices and created uncertainty in investment. Long-term, this decline may signal a weakening in global demand, potentially impacting U.S. exports and economic recovery efforts.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
UK Government Develops Contingency Plans for Food Shortages Amid Ongoing Iran War
UK government officials have initiated worst-case scenario planning for potential food shortages, particularly of chicken and pork, due to the ongoing Iran war. This preparation is triggered by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted supply chains essential for food processing, including carbon dioxide production. Long-term implications include a forecasted food inflation rate of 9% by December 2026, prompting further strategic adjustments in the food supply sector.
3 sourcesApr 17High
- Crypto· World
Justin Sun Accuses Trump Family-Backed World Liberty Financial of Account Freezing Mechanism
Justin Sun has publicly accused World Liberty Financial of implementing a 'trap door' mechanism that allows for the unilateral freezing of investor accounts, impacting his own holdings significantly. This accusation comes after Sun's account was frozen since September 2025, leading to substantial financial losses amid a broader decline in WLFI token value. The ongoing dispute raises concerns about governance and investor trust in cryptocurrency ventures linked to political figures, potentially affecting future investments in the sector.
6 sourcesApr 17High
- Economy· World
U.S. Energy Secretary Warns of Peak Energy Prices Amid Ongoing Iran Conflict
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has predicted that energy prices will peak in the coming weeks due to the ongoing U.S.-Iran war and disruptions in oil supply. The immediate trigger for this forecast is Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has significantly impacted global oil transit and coincided with seasonal demand increases. Long-term implications may include sustained high gasoline prices affecting the U.S. economy and political landscape as midterm elections approach.
3 sourcesApr 17Low