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
4461 stories- Economy· World
Final Oil Tankers Reach Asian Refineries Amid Strait of Hormuz Crisis
On April 14, 2026, the last oil tankers to transit the Strait of Hormuz before heightened US restrictions arrived at Asian refineries, exacerbating the global oil supply crisis. This situation is driven by Iran's ongoing control of the strait and the US naval blockade initiated on April 13, which has halted further tanker traffic. The long-term implication is a significant and sustained global oil supply shortfall, prompting discussions of rationing and demand destruction measures across affected regions.
9 sourcesApr 14Low
- Economy· MENA
Aluminum Prices Hit Four-Year High Amid US-Iran Tensions and Blockade Threats
Aluminum futures on the London Metal Exchange surged to a four-year high of $3,607.50 per metric ton due to fears of a US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz following the collapse of US-Iran peace talks. This price increase is driven by heightened risks of supply disruptions from the Persian Gulf, which is critical for global aluminum production. If tensions persist, analysts predict sustained high prices and significant supply deficits in the aluminum market.
6 sourcesApr 14Low
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Fall as US and Iran Revive Ceasefire Negotiations Amid Ongoing Blockade
Oil prices declined on April 13, 2026, as the United States and Iran considered a second round of talks to extend a two-week ceasefire amid an ongoing US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The immediate cause for this development is the renewed diplomatic efforts following a spike in oil prices due to the blockade that began on the same day. Long-term implications may include a stabilization of oil prices and potential easing of tensions in the region if negotiations succeed.
7 sourcesApr 14Low
- Economy· World
Iran War Disrupts Global Oil Supply and Increases Household Financial Strain
The ongoing Iran War, which began on 28 February 2026, has led to significant disruptions in oil supplies, causing global crude prices to surge by over 50 percent. This escalation is driven by military actions between the United States, Israel, and Iran, alongside threats to the critical Strait of Hormuz. As a result, households worldwide are facing increased energy costs and financial strain, with long-term implications for inflation and economic stability.
10 sourcesApr 14Moderate
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Exceed $100 per Barrel as U.S. Initiates Blockade of Iranian Ports
Oil prices surged above $100 per barrel following the U.S. announcement of a military blockade on Iranian ports after failed ceasefire talks. The blockade is a direct response to the ongoing U.S.-Iran war, which has disrupted shipping in the critical Strait of Hormuz. This escalation is likely to lead to further volatility in global oil markets and heightened geopolitical tensions in the region.
34 sourcesApr 14High
- Business· World
Hollywood Professionals Oppose Paramount's $111 Billion Acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery
Over 1,400 Hollywood professionals have signed an open letter opposing Paramount's proposed $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. This backlash is triggered by concerns that the merger will further consolidate the media landscape, leading to job losses and reduced creative opportunities. The long-term implication may involve increased regulatory scrutiny and potential legal challenges aimed at preserving competition in the entertainment industry.
4 sourcesApr 14High
- Crypto· World
Bank of Korea Proposes Circuit Breakers for Crypto Exchanges After Bithumb's $42 Billion Error
Bithumb, a major South Korean cryptocurrency exchange, mistakenly distributed 620,000 Bitcoin worth approximately $42 billion to users instead of Korean won, leading to a significant price crash. The Bank of Korea's recommendations for circuit breakers and enhanced controls come in response to this operational failure, aiming to prevent similar incidents in the future. This regulatory push signals a shift towards stricter oversight in the cryptocurrency sector, potentially reshaping operational standards across exchanges globally.
3 sourcesApr 13Low
- Economy· World
Crude Oil Prices Exceed $100 per Barrel Amid U.S. Naval Blockade on Iran
Crude oil prices surged over 7% to surpass $100 per barrel following the U.S. announcement of a naval blockade on Iranian ports. This escalation was triggered by the collapse of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran to extend a ceasefire amid ongoing conflict. Long-term implications include potential disruptions to Iranian oil exports and increased geopolitical tensions in the region.
33 sourcesApr 13High
- Business· World
Over 1,000 Hollywood Figures Oppose Paramount's $111 Billion Acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery
More than 1,000 Hollywood actors, writers, and directors have signed an open letter opposing Paramount's proposed $111 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. This backlash is driven by concerns over media consolidation and its potential negative impact on competition and diversity in film production. The long-term implication could lead to increased regulatory scrutiny and challenges for the merger as it approaches a shareholder vote on April 23, 2026.
5 sourcesApr 13High
- Economy· MENA
Bahrain Government to Cover April Salaries for Private Sector Citizens from Unemployment Fund
On 13 April 2026, the Crown Prince of Bahrain directed the government to draft a law for covering salaries of insured citizens in the private sector for April from the Unemployment Insurance Fund. This initiative is a response to economic strains exacerbated by regional geopolitical tensions, including recent military threats. Long-term, this measure aims to bolster national employment and economic stability amidst ongoing regional challenges.
2 sourcesApr 13High
- Economy· MENA
IEA, IMF, and World Bank Warn of Economic Shock from Middle East War
On April 13, 2026, the heads of the IEA, IMF, and World Bank issued a joint statement highlighting the severe economic repercussions of the ongoing Middle East war, particularly the disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. This warning follows the US-Israeli strikes on Iran and the subsequent naval blockade, which have led to skyrocketing energy prices and threats to food security. The long-term implication is a potential global economic crisis, especially affecting low-income nations reliant on energy imports, prompting calls for coordinated international responses.
2 sourcesApr 13Low
- Crypto· World
Kraken Faces Extortion Attempt Linked to Insider Access of Client Data
Kraken disclosed an extortion attempt involving unauthorized access to client data by two support staff members, affecting approximately 2,000 accounts. This incident follows a pattern of escalating insider threats within the cryptocurrency sector, prompting Kraken to refuse ransom negotiations and notify affected users. The long-term implication may lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory measures regarding insider access and data security in the crypto industry.
2 sourcesApr 13High
- Business· World
Roblox Corporation Stock Rises 5% Following Launch of Age-Based Accounts and Parental Controls
On April 13, 2026, Roblox Corporation's shares increased by 5% after the announcement of new age-based accounts and enhanced parental controls. This shift is driven by ongoing pressures for child safety and regulatory scrutiny, prompting the company to implement measures that align with user safety expectations. In the long term, these enhancements are likely to improve user trust and engagement, potentially leading to increased market share in the gaming industry.
2 sourcesApr 13High
- Economy· MENA
Oil Prices Exceed $100 Following US-Iran Peace Talks Breakdown and Strait of Hormuz Blockade
US-Iran peace talks collapsed over the weekend, leading to the US imposing a blockade on Iranian shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. This escalation is occurring now due to ongoing tensions from a prior US-Iran war and failed negotiations, which have disrupted energy exports. The long-term implication is likely to be sustained high oil prices and increased market volatility as global supply chains adjust to the blockade's impact.
2 sourcesApr 13Moderate
- Economy· World
BlackRock Upgrades U.S. Equities Amid Iran War Ceasefire
On April 13, 2026, BlackRock Investment Institute upgraded its asset allocation on U.S. equities from neutral to modest overweight due to contained macroeconomic impacts from the ongoing U.S.-Iran war. This shift is prompted by a recent ceasefire that has allowed for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and positive corporate earnings projections. In the long term, this adjustment signals a potential recovery in global markets and a focus on sectors benefiting from the conflict, such as defense and infrastructure.
2 sourcesApr 13Low
- Economy· World
Gold Prices Decline as US Dollar Strengthens and Fed Rate Cut Hopes Fade
Gold prices fell to a near-week low on April 13, 2026, as the US dollar strengthened and market expectations for Federal Reserve interest rate cuts diminished due to persistent inflation pressures from elevated oil prices. This shift is driven by the inverse correlation between gold and the dollar, alongside a high probability of steady Fed rates amid ongoing inflation concerns. Long-term, this trend may lead to increased volatility in gold markets and a potential rebound if geopolitical tensions ease and inflationary pressures subside.
7 sourcesApr 13Low
- Business· UAE
Central Bank of the UAE Partners with Vermeg to Develop National Central Securities Depository
On April 13, 2026, the Central Bank of the UAE announced the selection of Vermeg as the lead technology partner for a consortium to create a Central Securities Depository for national debt and Sukuk. This initiative is driven by the need to enhance operational efficiency and liquidity management in the UAE's rapidly growing capital markets. The long-term implication is a strengthened financial infrastructure that positions the UAE as a global financial hub, attracting more investment and fostering financial innovation.
5 sourcesApr 13
- Business· World
Goldman Sachs Reports 18% Profit Increase to $5.4 Billion in Q1 2026 Driven by Investment Banking and Equities Trading
Goldman Sachs announced a net profit of $5.4 billion for Q1 2026, marking an 18% increase from the previous year. This surge is attributed to a significant rise in investment banking fees and record equities trading amid heightened global dealmaking and market volatility. Looking ahead, the firm anticipates continued robust M&A and IPO activity, despite recent geopolitical tensions impacting market conditions.
5 sourcesApr 13Low
- Economy· World
IEA Signals Readiness for Further Oil Reserve Release Amid Iran War Energy Crisis
On April 13, 2026, IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol announced the agency's preparedness to release additional global oil reserves due to ongoing energy disruptions from the Iran war. This announcement follows a historic 400 million barrel release in March, prompted by severe supply shocks from the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and damage to Middle East oil facilities. The long-term implication is a potential escalation in global oil prices and continued volatility in energy markets if the conflict persists without resolution.
2 sourcesApr 13Low
- Business· UAE
UAE and Uzbekistan Launch New Economic Partnership Focused on Emerging Sectors
The United Arab Emirates and Uzbekistan have announced a 'New Era of Economic Partnership' aimed at enhancing cooperation in artificial intelligence, digitalization, and green energy. This initiative follows previous agreements and is driven by Uzbekistan's economic reforms and the UAE's strategic interest in Central Asia. The long-term goal is to increase bilateral trade tenfold by 2030, positioning both nations as key players in the new economy landscape.
2 sourcesApr 13Low