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
4445 stories- Business· World
Virgin Australia Projects A$30–40 Million Fuel Cost Increase Due to Middle East Conflict
Virgin Australia has forecasted an additional A$30–40 million in fuel costs for the second half of fiscal 2026, driven by surging jet fuel prices linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This volatility has resulted in operational adjustments, including airfare increases and capacity reductions, as the airline navigates the financial impact of the Iran conflict. In the long term, these developments may lead to increased scrutiny of domestic aviation competition and potential regulatory responses to fare hikes in Australia.
4 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· World
Asian Stock Markets Surge Amid US-Iran Peace Negotiations and Strong Earnings Reports
Asian stock markets experienced a significant rebound on April 16, 2026, with Japan's Nikkei index rising 2.2% to a record high. This rally is driven by optimism surrounding potential peace talks to resolve the US-Iran conflict and robust corporate earnings, particularly from US banks and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Long-term, this could stabilize regional markets and enhance investor confidence in the Asia-Pacific financial landscape as peace negotiations progress.
5 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· MENA
HSBC Reports Shift to Risk-Off Mode Among Customers Due to Iran Conflict
HSBC's Asia and Middle East Co-CEO David Liao announced a significant shift in the bank's customer base towards risk-off strategies amid escalating tensions from the Iran conflict. This change is triggered by the recent U.S. naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has raised investor caution and uncertainty. Long-term, this could lead to increased volatility in global markets and a reevaluation of investment strategies in the region.
5 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· World
China's Export Growth Declines to 2.5% as Iranian War Disrupts Global Demand
China's exports grew by only 2.5% year-on-year in March 2026, marking the lowest growth rate in five months. This decline is attributed to the ongoing Iranian war, which has disrupted global energy supplies and transportation, leading to decreased international demand. In the long term, this situation may result in a shrinking trade surplus and slower GDP growth for China, as reliance on external demand continues to expose vulnerabilities in its economy.
5 sourcesApr 16Moderate
- Economy· World
IEA Reports Historic Decline in Global Oil Demand Amid Middle East Conflict
On April 14, 2026, the International Energy Agency (IEA) projected a decline in global crude oil demand by 1.5 million barrels per day in Q2 2026, the steepest drop since the COVID-19 pandemic. This decline is triggered by significant supply disruptions due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, including infrastructure attacks and restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz. The long-term implication is a potential contraction in annual oil demand, reversing previous growth forecasts and impacting global energy markets significantly.
13 sourcesApr 16Moderate
- Economy· World
Europe Faces Jet Fuel Shortages by June 2026 Due to Iran War Disruptions
Europe is projected to experience jet fuel shortages by June 2026 if it can only replace half of its disrupted Middle Eastern supplies. This situation arises from the ongoing Iran war, which has severely restricted oil exports through the Strait of Hormuz. Long-term, this could lead to demand destruction at airports and necessitate emergency measures from the European Commission and airlines.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· World
EU Doubles Steel Import Tariffs and Cuts Quotas, Threatening UK Exports
The European Union has approved a significant increase in steel import tariffs to 50% and a 47% reduction in duty-free quotas, effective July 1, 2026. This decision follows urgent negotiations aimed at curbing rising Chinese steel imports and comes as the UK faces unique vulnerabilities due to post-Brexit trade agreements. The long-term implications may include a shift in trade dynamics, with potential reciprocal measures from the UK and disruptions in integrated supply chains.
4 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
Hui Ka Yan Admits Guilt in Evergrande Fraud Case at Shenzhen Court
Hui Ka Yan, founder of China Evergrande Group, pleaded guilty to multiple charges including fraud and bribery during a trial at the Shenzhen Municipal Intermediate People’s Court. This development follows his detention in 2023 amid Evergrande's ongoing $300 billion debt crisis, highlighting the urgent need for accountability in China's troubled property sector. The long-term implications may include stricter regulations and oversight in the real estate industry to prevent similar financial disasters in the future.
6 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
Amazon acquires Globalstar for $11.57 billion to enhance satellite connectivity
Amazon has announced its acquisition of Globalstar for approximately $11.57 billion, integrating its satellite infrastructure into Project Leo. This move is driven by the need to expedite direct-to-device connectivity and maintain competitive satellite features for Apple iPhones amid rising competition from SpaceX's Starlink. The long-term implication is a strengthened position for Amazon in the satellite communications market, potentially reshaping connectivity options for consumers and businesses alike.
32 sourcesApr 16High
- Economy· World
Iran War Causes Fuel Crisis and Protests Across Europe
The ongoing Iran war has led to a significant surge in fuel prices across Europe, resulting in widespread protests and economic strain. This crisis was triggered by U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran, which disrupted oil supplies through the Strait of Hormuz and targeted regional energy infrastructure. In the long term, European governments are likely to implement further economic interventions to mitigate the impact on households and businesses facing rising costs.
7 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia Increases Financial Support to Pakistan with $3 Billion Deposit and $5 Billion Facility Extension
On April 15, 2026, Saudi Arabia announced a $3 billion increase in deposits and extended a $5 billion facility to Pakistan during the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings. This move comes as Pakistan faces urgent external financing needs, particularly a $3.5 billion repayment obligation to the UAE. The long-term implication is a strengthened economic partnership between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, potentially reshaping regional alliances amid ongoing tensions with the UAE.
6 sourcesApr 16Moderate
- Business· World
BBC Announces Major Job Cuts Amid Financial Pressures
On 15 April 2026, the British Broadcasting Corporation announced plans to eliminate between 1,800 and 2,000 positions, marking its largest staff reduction since 2011. This decision is driven by escalating financial pressures, including production inflation and declining licence fee collections, compounded by competition from streaming platforms. The long-term implication is a significant restructuring of the BBC aimed at achieving £500 million in annual savings, which may impact its operational capacity and service delivery in the coming years.
7 sourcesApr 16High
- Economy· World
Asian Stock Markets Rally on Optimism for U.S.-Iran Peace Talks
Major Asian stock indices experienced significant gains as investors reacted positively to renewed hopes for U.S.-Iran peace negotiations. This surge was triggered by U.S. President Donald Trump's indication of a willingness to resume talks following a previous collapse in negotiations. If successful, these discussions could stabilize oil supply routes and further boost investor confidence in the region's markets.
8 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· World
U.S. Producer Price Index Increases 4.0 Percent Year-Over-Year Amid Iran War Energy Crisis
The U.S. Producer Price Index for final demand rose 4.0 percent year-over-year in March 2026, driven by an 8.5 percent month-over-month spike in energy prices due to the ongoing war in Iran. This surge is occurring now as the conflict has disrupted oil transit through the Strait of Hormuz, leading to significant energy supply shocks. In the long term, these inflationary pressures may compel the Federal Reserve to reconsider its monetary policy strategies amidst heightened geopolitical tensions.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· World
Geelong Refinery Fire Disrupts Petrol Production Amid Ongoing Fuel Crisis in Australia
A fire at Viva Energy's Geelong oil refinery on 15 April 2026 has severely impacted petrol production, affecting over 50% of Victoria's fuel supply. The incident is exacerbated by Australia's reliance on imports for 80% of its fuel needs, heightened by panic buying and ongoing tensions from the Iran war. In the long term, analysts predict significant petrol price hikes and increased reliance on distant imports as the country navigates fuel shortages.
3 sourcesApr 16High
- Business· World
Hollywood Professionals Oppose Paramount Skydance's $111 Billion Acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery
Over 2,000 Hollywood professionals have signed an open letter opposing Paramount Skydance's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. This backlash is driven by concerns over reduced competition and job losses in an already consolidated media landscape. The long-term implication may lead to increased regulatory scrutiny and potential blocking of the merger by authorities like California's Attorney General.
7 sourcesApr 16Low
- Crypto· World
Justin Sun Accuses World Liberty Financial of Asset Freezing Backdoor in Smart Contracts
Justin Sun has publicly accused World Liberty Financial of implementing a hidden backdoor in its smart contracts that allows for the unilateral freezing of investor assets. This accusation follows Sun's own financial losses after his account was frozen, coinciding with a broader decline in WLFI token value and governance disputes. The ongoing feud raises significant concerns about governance practices in the cryptocurrency sector and could lead to increased regulatory scrutiny of similar projects.
9 sourcesApr 16High
- Economy· World
U.S. Energy Secretary Warns of Peak Gas Prices Amid Ongoing Strait of Hormuz Disruptions
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has predicted that gasoline prices will peak in the coming weeks as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue due to the ongoing U.S.-Iran war. This prediction comes as Iran has halted shipping through the strait, a critical chokepoint for global oil flows, leading to a significant rise in U.S. gasoline prices. The long-term implication is that sustained high energy prices may influence U.S. political dynamics and economic policies as the conflict persists.
4 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
Walt Disney Company Announces Layoffs of 1,000 Employees Across Multiple Divisions
The Walt Disney Company has begun the process of eliminating approximately 1,000 positions across its various divisions, including television, film studios, and ESPN, effective April 14, 2026. This decision comes under new CEO Josh D'Amaro as a response to ongoing challenges such as declining traditional television revenue and high content costs. The long-term implication may involve a continued shift in Disney's operational strategy to adapt to the evolving media landscape and enhance efficiency amid increasing competition from streaming services.
8 sourcesApr 16High
- Business· World
U.S. Utilities Plan $1.4 Trillion Investment to Address AI Data Center Electricity Demand
PowerLines has reported that 51 U.S. investor-owned utilities are set to invest at least $1.4 trillion in capital expenditures through 2030 to meet rising electricity demand from AI data centers. This surge in investment is triggered by a significant increase in electricity consumption, reversing decades of flat demand, as utilities adapt to the needs of the growing AI sector. Long-term, this could lead to higher residential electric bills and necessitate regulatory scrutiny over utility spending and efficiency reforms.
3 sourcesApr 16Moderate