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
4396 stories- Economy· World
UK Government Prepares for Food Shortages Amid Ongoing Iran War
On 16 April 2026, the United Kingdom government outlined preparations for potential chicken and pork shortages by summer amid the ongoing Iran war. This planning is triggered by the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz and disruptions to carbon dioxide supplies critical for food preservation. Long-term implications include anticipated inflation in food prices and potential supply chain vulnerabilities as the conflict persists.
5 sourcesApr 16High
- Economy· World
International Energy Agency Warns of Jet Fuel Shortage in Europe Within Six Weeks Amid Iran War
The International Energy Agency has announced that Europe has only six weeks of jet fuel reserves left due to disruptions caused by the ongoing Iran war. This critical situation arises as the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked, preventing the flow of essential fuel supplies from the Middle East, which accounts for 75% of Europe's jet fuel imports. If the supply is not fully replaced, widespread flight cancellations and significant economic fallout are expected by June 2026.
16 sourcesApr 16Very High
- Economy· World
Gold Prices Steady as U.S.-Iran Negotiations Progress
Gold prices stabilized on April 16, 2026, across global markets amid heightened focus on U.S.-Iran diplomatic talks. The immediate cause is the anticipation of progress in Pakistan-mediated discussions aimed at resolving the ongoing U.S.-Iran war. Long-term implications suggest that continued diplomatic efforts could bolster gold prices further, especially if inflation concerns persist.
2 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· MENA
IMF Reports Economic Impact of 2026 Iran War on MENA Region
The International Monetary Fund has forecasted a significant reduction in MENA real GDP growth to 1.1% for 2026 due to the ongoing Iran war. This downturn is triggered by disruptions in energy supplies for oil exporters and rising commodity prices for importers like Egypt and Jordan. Long-term, the region may face a prolonged economic recovery, with calls for trade diversification and regional cooperation on energy and food security.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
U.S. Secretaries to Confer with Oil CEOs on Production Boost Amid Iran Conflict
U.S. Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and Energy Secretary Chris Wright are set to hold a conference call with major oil CEOs to discuss increasing production in response to the ongoing Iran war. This meeting is triggered by surging global crude prices, which have risen above $99 per barrel due to supply disruptions. The long-term implication may involve intensified U.S. energy policies and strategies as the administration seeks to stabilize markets ahead of the November 2026 midterms.
2 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· World
Gold Prices Rise as U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Negotiations Progress
On April 16, 2026, spot gold prices increased by 0.5% to $4,816.49 per ounce amid a declining U.S. dollar and renewed U.S.-Iran ceasefire discussions. The immediate cause for this uptick is the optimism surrounding the potential extension of a ceasefire set to expire on April 21, following inconclusive negotiations over the previous weekend. Long-term, this could lead to increased stability in the Middle East, impacting global commodity markets and investor sentiment towards gold as a safe-haven asset.
2 sourcesApr 16Moderate
- Business· World
Slash Financial Secures $100 Million Funding at $1.4 Billion Valuation
On April 16, 2026, Slash Financial Inc. raised $100 million in funding led by Ribbit Capital, achieving a valuation of $1.4 billion. This funding round comes as the company reports nearly $300 million in annualized revenue and aims to enhance its AI-driven business banking services. The long-term implication is a strengthened competitive position against established players like Ramp and Brex in the fintech sector.
5 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
Apple Reports 30 Percent Recycled Material Usage and 100 Percent Recycled Cobalt in Batteries
On April 16, 2026, Apple Inc. announced that 30 percent of materials in its 2025 product shipments were sourced from recycled content, alongside achieving 100 percent recycled cobalt in its batteries. This milestone is part of Apple's ongoing commitment to sustainability, coinciding with the release of its 2025 Environmental Progress Report ahead of Earth Day. The long-term implication is that Apple's advancements in circular supply chains may set new industry standards for sustainability and influence consumer expectations globally.
3 sourcesApr 16Moderate
- Economy· World
Global Stock Markets Rally as Oil Prices Stabilize Amid US-Iran Peace Negotiations
Major global stock indices have extended their rally while crude oil prices stabilized, driven by investor optimism regarding a potential US-Iran peace deal. This shift follows a temporary cease-fire and ongoing diplomatic negotiations that have alleviated market fears stemming from previous conflicts. In the long term, sustained peace could lead to further normalization of oil supply and bolster global economic recovery.
10 sourcesApr 16Moderate
- Business· World
U.S. Jury Rules Live Nation and Ticketmaster Operated Illegal Monopoly
On April 15, 2026, a federal jury found Live Nation Entertainment and Ticketmaster liable for maintaining an illegal monopoly in the primary ticketing and concert promotion markets. This ruling follows a lawsuit by 34 state attorneys general, highlighting anticompetitive practices that have persisted since their 2010 merger. The long-term implications may include significant regulatory changes in the live entertainment industry and potential remedies that could reshape market dynamics.
4 sourcesApr 16Very High
- Business· World
Paramount CEO Announces 45-Day Theatrical Window and 30 Films Annually at CinemaCon 2026
On April 16, 2026, Paramount CEO David Ellison committed to a 45-day exclusive theatrical window for all films and a minimum of 30 theatrical releases per year. This announcement comes amid the pending Warner Bros. merger, which is expected to close in Q3 2026, and reflects a strategic pivot to bolster theatrical distribution. The long-term implication is a potential stabilization of the film industry’s release schedules and increased competition among studios post-merger.
2 sourcesApr 16Moderate
- Business· World
Solidroad Raises $25 Million Series A to Enhance AI Customer Support Quality Assurance
On April 16, 2026, Solidroad announced a $25 million Series A funding round led by Hedosophia. This funding comes as enterprises increasingly adopt hybrid human-AI support models, necessitating scalable quality assurance solutions. The investment is expected to drive Solidroad's operational expansion and further solidify its position in the AI-driven customer support market.
2 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
OCC Lifts Consent Order Against JPMorgan Chase for Trade Surveillance Issues
The Office of the Comptroller of the Currency has terminated a consent order against JPMorgan Chase Bank, reflecting the bank's successful remediation of trade surveillance deficiencies. This decision comes after JPMorgan undertook extensive corrective measures following regulatory scrutiny that began in 2019. The long-term implication is that JPMorgan can now operate without restrictions, potentially enhancing its competitive position in the banking sector.
2 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· World
Henry Paulson Calls for Emergency Plan to Prevent U.S. Treasury Market Collapse
Former U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry M. Paulson has urged U.S. authorities to develop an emergency plan to avert a potential collapse in the $31 trillion U.S. Treasury market. This call comes amid concerns over exhausted fiscal resources and the Federal Reserve's role as the primary buyer, which could lead to falling prices and rising interest rates. If unaddressed, this situation could result in severe economic repercussions, surpassing the 2008 financial crisis.
2 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
BNY Mellon Reports 36% Year-Over-Year Net Income Increase in Q1 2026
BNY Mellon announced a 36% increase in net income to $1.56 billion for Q1 2026, driven by growth in fee revenue and net interest income. This surge is attributed to heightened client activity and favorable market conditions, including elevated yields from securities reinvestments. The long-term outlook suggests continued expansion in the financial sector, supported by a newly authorized $10 billion share repurchase program and positive market sentiment.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· UAE
AD Ports Group Launches Integrated Logistics Network to Strengthen Regional Trade Resilience
On April 16, 2026, AD Ports Group announced the operational launch of its integrated logistics network designed to enhance regional trade resilience. This initiative is driven by the need for improved supply chain flexibility in response to rising geopolitical tensions and increasing trade volumes. The long-term implication is a strengthened position for Abu Dhabi as a global trade hub, potentially leading to further economic growth and infrastructure investments in the region.
2 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· World
U.S. Stock Market Hits Record Highs Amid AI Investment Surge and US-Iran Peace Talks
On April 15, 2026, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite reached record closing highs driven by optimism in artificial intelligence investments and progress in US-Iran peace negotiations. This surge was triggered by projected $700 billion capital expenditures from major U.S. hyperscalers and de-escalation signals from President Trump. The long-term implication suggests sustained investor confidence in AI-driven growth, potentially leading to further market expansions and geopolitical stability.
2 sourcesApr 16High
- Business· World
Charles Schwab Reports 30% Net Income Increase and Launches Spot Cryptocurrency Trading
On April 16, 2026, Charles Schwab Corporation announced a 30% year-over-year increase in net income to $2.48 billion alongside plans for a phased rollout of spot cryptocurrency trading. This surge in earnings is attributed to heightened client trading activity amid volatile markets and macroeconomic uncertainty. The introduction of Schwab Crypto™ signals a strategic shift towards digital assets, positioning the firm to compete more aggressively in the evolving financial landscape.
2 sourcesApr 16High
- Business· UAE
Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort permanently closes operations due to external factors
Anantara World Islands Dubai Resort ceased operations on April 10, 2026. The closure follows an operational review by Minor Hotels and Seven Tides Ltd., citing a combination of external factors impacting the resort's viability. This decision reflects ongoing challenges for luxury tourism in remote locations, potentially leading to a reevaluation of investment in similar island-based hospitality projects in the region.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· UAE
Aldar Properties Secures Dh5 Billion Sustainability-Linked Credit Facility
Aldar Properties closed a Dh5 billion sustainability-linked revolving credit facility on April 16, 2026. This financing is driven by the company's need to enhance liquidity amid a booming UAE property market and follows a previous Dh9 billion facility secured in January 2025. The long-term implication is that this funding will support Aldar's expansion plans and potentially stabilize the regional property supply and pricing dynamics.
3 sourcesApr 16Low