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
4456 stories- Economy· MENA
China's Aluminum Exports Set to Rise Due to Ongoing Iranian Conflict Disruptions
China's aluminum exports are expected to surge as global buyers look for alternatives following significant supply disruptions from the ongoing conflict in Iran. The immediate trigger for this shift is the damage to key aluminum smelters in the Persian Gulf, which has curtailed approximately 9% of global aluminum production. In the long term, this situation may lead to increased reliance on Chinese aluminum, potentially reshaping global supply chains and pricing dynamics in the industry.
10 sourcesApr 15Low
- Economy· World
US Faces 10 Million Single-Family Housing Shortage According to White House Report
The White House Council of Economic Advisers has reported a nationwide shortage of 10 million single-family homes, a consequence of reduced construction since the 2008 financial crisis. This shortage is exacerbated by regulatory burdens and rising mortgage rates linked to the ongoing Iran war, prompting the Trump administration to consider deregulation as a solution. Long-term, this could lead to the construction of 13.2 million new homes and the creation of 2 million jobs, significantly impacting the US economy and housing market.
3 sourcesApr 15High
- Economy· MENA
HSBC Reports Risk-Off Sentiment Among Customers Amid Iran Conflict
HSBC's Asia and Middle East Co-CEO David Liao announced a shift to a risk-off stance among the bank's broader customer base due to escalating tensions from the ongoing Iran conflict. This change is occurring as geopolitical instability in the Middle East prompts heightened caution in investment decisions. Long-term implications may include increased volatility in global markets and a potential reevaluation of investment strategies in the region.
5 sourcesApr 15Low - Business· World
Virgin Australia Forecasts A$30–40 Million Fuel Cost Surge Amid Iran War Disruptions
Virgin Australia has projected an increase in fuel costs by A$30–40 million for the second half of FY2026 due to the ongoing Iran conflict affecting global energy markets. The immediate trigger for this rise is the doubling of jet fuel prices since late February 2026, following significant disruptions in oil supply. In the long term, this situation is likely to lead to elevated airfares and reduced domestic capacity as airlines adjust to sustained high fuel costs.
4 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Economy· World
Asian Emerging Stocks Surge on Optimism for U.S.-Iran Peace Talks Resumption
Asian emerging stocks reached a six-week high as optimism grew over the potential resumption of U.S.-Iran peace talks. This surge was triggered by President Trump's announcement that negotiations could restart in Pakistan within days, following a recent blockade on Iranian ports. Long-term, this renewed diplomatic engagement may stabilize regional markets and ease oil price volatility, benefiting Asian economies reliant on trade and energy.
11 sourcesApr 15Low
- Economy· World
China's Exports Slow to 2.5% Growth Amid Iranian War Impact
China's exports experienced a significant slowdown, recording only 2.5% year-on-year growth in March 2026, the lowest in five months. This decline is attributed to weakened global demand resulting from the ongoing Iranian war, which has disrupted energy supplies and increased transportation costs. The long-term implication may be a shrinking trade surplus for China, prompting potential shifts in economic strategy as the country grapples with external pressures on its export-driven economy.
6 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Economy· World
IEA Projects Historic Decline in Global Oil Demand Amid Strait of Hormuz Crisis
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 severe supply disruptions due to the ongoing Iran war and restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, which have drastically reduced oil flows. Long-term implications include potential OPEC+ output adjustments and increased global prices, with governments exploring demand-reduction measures to mitigate the impact.
13 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Business· World
Europe Risks Jet Fuel Shortages by June 2026 Amid Middle East Supply Disruptions
Europe could face physical jet fuel shortages by June 2026 if it only replaces 50 percent of its normal imports from the Middle East, as warned by the International Energy Agency. This situation arises due to the ongoing Iran war, which has severely disrupted oil product exports from the region. If current replacement levels do not improve, Europe may see stocks fall below the critical threshold, leading to significant operational challenges for the aviation sector.
3 sourcesApr 15Low
- Economy· World
EU Doubles Steel Tariffs and Cuts Quotas, Threatening UK Exports
The European Union has reached a political agreement to increase out-of-quota tariffs on steel imports to 50% and reduce duty-free quotas by 47%, effective July 2026. This decision is driven by the need to address global steel overcapacity, particularly from China, which has led to significant increases in EU steel imports. The long-term implication may involve reciprocal trade measures from the UK, further straining its steel export market and potentially escalating trade tensions.
4 sourcesApr 15Low
- Business· World
Hui Ka Yan of China Evergrande Group Pleads Guilty to Fraud Charges
Hui Ka Yan, founder of China Evergrande Group, pleaded guilty to multiple fraud charges in a Shenzhen court, marking a significant legal development in the company's ongoing crisis. This plea follows a series of financial mismanagement issues that have led to Evergrande's staggering $300 billion debt default since 2021, exacerbated by regulatory debt curbs. The long-term implications may include intensified scrutiny of China's real estate sector and potential reforms aimed at preventing similar corporate failures in the future.
6 sourcesApr 15High
- Business· World
Texas Attorney General Launches Investigation into Lululemon for PFAS Presence
On April 13, 2026, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton initiated a civil investigation into Lululemon Athletica Inc. regarding potential PFAS contamination in its athletic apparel. This investigation has gained traction due to rising consumer concerns over health risks associated with PFAS, particularly in Lululemon's key market in China. The long-term implication may involve increased regulatory scrutiny on consumer products and potential shifts in brand trust among health-conscious consumers globally.
4 sourcesApr 15High
- Business· World
CMA Orders AA Driving School to Refund £760,000 to Learner Drivers for Drip Pricing Violations
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority has mandated Automobile Association Developments to refund over £760,000 to more than 80,000 learner drivers due to violations of consumer protection laws regarding drip pricing. This enforcement action follows the CMA's enhanced powers under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, which allows for direct refunds and penalties without court proceedings. The long-term implication is a likely increase in scrutiny and compliance requirements for businesses engaging in online pricing practices across various sectors.
3 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Economy· World
Oil Futures Drop Amid Renewed U.S.-Iran Peace Negotiation Hopes
Oil futures declined sharply on April 15, 2026, as markets reacted to renewed optimism for the resumption of U.S.-Iran peace talks following their recent collapse. The immediate trigger for this decline was President Trump's signals of potential diplomatic engagement, which eased fears of ongoing supply disruptions from the Strait of Hormuz. Long-term, this development may lead to stabilized oil prices and reduced geopolitical tensions in the region, impacting global energy markets.
10 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Business· World
Hollywood Professionals Oppose Paramount Skydance's $110.9 Billion Acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery
Over 1,000 Hollywood professionals signed an open letter opposing Paramount Skydance's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. This backlash is triggered by concerns over job losses, increased costs, and reduced competition in the industry as the shareholder vote approaches. The long-term implication may involve heightened scrutiny from regulatory bodies and potential changes in merger policies affecting the media landscape.
6 sourcesApr 15High
- Crypto· World
Justin Sun Accuses World Liberty Financial of Smart Contract Misconduct
Justin Sun has publicly accused World Liberty Financial of incorporating a backdoor in its smart contract that allows for the freezing of investor accounts. This accusation follows Sun's significant financial losses due to the alleged freezing of his wallet, which he claims occurred without notice. The ongoing feud may lead to increased scrutiny of cryptocurrency regulations and investor protections in the industry.
10 sourcesApr 15High
- Economy· World
UNDP Warns Military Escalation in Middle East Could Push 32.5 Million into Poverty
The United Nations Development Programme has released a policy brief indicating that ongoing military escalation in the Middle East could drive 32.5 million people into upper-middle-income poverty globally. This alarming projection is triggered by recent U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, which have disrupted oil and gas production, leading to surging energy and food prices. In the long term, the conflict is likely to exacerbate global economic instability, prompting calls for targeted financial interventions to mitigate poverty reversals.
8 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Business· World
United Airlines CEO proposes merger with American Airlines to Trump amid industry pressures
On February 25, 2026, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby proposed a merger with American Airlines during a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. This proposal comes as U.S. airlines face rising jet fuel costs and increased competition from foreign carriers, particularly from the Gulf region. If pursued, the merger could reshape the U.S. aviation landscape but faces significant antitrust scrutiny that may hinder its realization.
10 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Business· World
Walt Disney Company announces layoffs of 1,000 positions across multiple divisions
The Walt Disney Company has initiated layoffs affecting approximately 1,000 positions, primarily in its television and movie studios, ESPN, and marketing divisions. This decision comes as part of a corporate restructuring effort led by CEO Josh D’Amaro, aimed at addressing declining linear television revenues and pressures on streaming profitability. In the long term, these layoffs may signal a shift towards a more agile workforce and further consolidation within the media industry as companies adapt to changing consumer behaviors and market dynamics.
6 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Business· World
U.S. Utilities Plan $1.4 Trillion Investment to Meet AI Data Center Electricity Needs
U.S. investor-owned utilities have announced a projected $1.4 trillion in capital expenditures from 2026 to 2030 to address the rising electricity demand from AI data centers. This surge in investment is driven by a 21% increase in electricity demand, primarily due to the rapid expansion of AI technologies and the need for grid resiliency. Long-term, these expenditures may lead to increased electricity rates for consumers, pending state regulatory approvals amidst ongoing scrutiny of utility practices.
3 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Drop Below $100 as U.S.-Iran Peace Talks Progress
Oil prices fell below $100 per barrel as major U.S. stock indices approached record highs amid ongoing U.S.-Iran peace negotiations. This shift follows a conditional ceasefire announced on April 8, which has eased concerns over potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The long-term implication suggests a stabilization in global energy markets, potentially impacting oil-dependent economies and investor strategies moving forward.
16 sourcesApr 15Low