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
8632 stories- Economy· MENA
Oil prices surge amid escalating Middle East tensions
Oil prices have increased significantly due to rising geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. This surge is triggered by fears of renewed military conflict impacting supply expectations. The long-term implication suggests continued volatility in oil prices as geopolitical instability persists.
3 sourcesApr 25High - Economy· World
Gold prices decline amid rising oil prices and U.S.-Iran tensions
Gold prices have fallen for the first time in five weeks, settling at $4705.10 due to geopolitical tensions affecting market stability. The immediate trigger for this decline is the combination of rising oil prices and a strengthening dollar, which are creating volatility in the commodities market. In the long term, continued geopolitical uncertainties may lead to further fluctuations in gold and silver prices, impacting investor strategies.
4 sourcesApr 25Low
- Business· World
iHeartMedia and SiriusXM in Preliminary Merger Discussions
iHeartMedia and SiriusXM are exploring a merger to strengthen their position in the podcasting sector. The discussions are driven by the need to enhance competitiveness in the rapidly evolving audio entertainment market. If successful, this merger could significantly reshape the landscape of content production and distribution in the industry.
4 sourcesApr 25High - Economy· World
US stock markets fluctuate amid mixed earnings and rising oil prices linked to Iran tensions
US stock markets experienced fluctuations due to mixed earnings reports and rising oil prices amid ongoing geopolitical tensions with Iran. The immediate trigger for this volatility is the US-Iran standoff, which has been affecting oil prices and market sentiment. Long-term implications suggest that investors will need to remain vigilant as geopolitical developments continue to influence market trends.
4 sourcesApr 25Low - Economy· World
UK Economic Confidence Hits Lowest Point Since 2023 Due to Iran War Impact
On April 23, 2026, UK consumer and business confidence indices fell sharply, reaching their lowest levels since late 2023, as a result of escalating costs from the ongoing US-Israeli-Iran war. This decline is triggered by significant disruptions in global energy markets and supply chains, leading to surging inflationary pressures in the UK. Long-term implications suggest that the Bank of England may need to adjust interest rates in response to these economic challenges, with forecasts indicating a potential growth slowdown.
10 sourcesApr 25Low - Economy· World
European gas prices rise 10.4% amid U.S. cease-fire extension with Iran
European natural gas prices rose by 10.4% following an initial decline as traders reacted to the indefinite extension of the U.S. cease-fire with Iran. This shift is occurring now due to ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting gas supply routes, particularly through the Strait of Hormuz. The long-term implication is that continued volatility in gas prices is likely as traders remain cautious about developments in the Middle East.
4 sourcesApr 25Low - Economy· World
Iran's economy faces crisis amid escalating US-Iran conflict
Iran's economy is experiencing a severe crisis characterized by two million job losses and rampant inflation due to the ongoing US-Iran war. The immediate trigger for this economic downturn is the intensifying conflict, which has led to significant instability in the Iranian currency and broader economic conditions. If the conflict continues, the long-term implications could include further economic deterioration in Iran and increased volatility in global energy markets.
5 sourcesApr 25Moderate - Business· World
Tesla reports better-than-expected earnings and shifts focus to AI and robotics
Tesla's latest earnings report has exceeded Wall Street expectations, showcasing a significant profit and free cash flow. The company's strategic pivot towards artificial intelligence and robotics is aimed at revitalizing demand for its vehicles amid sluggish sales in the US and Europe. This shift positions Tesla to capture new market opportunities and enhance its competitive edge in the automotive industry over the long term.
4 sourcesApr 25Moderate - Economy· World
EU Unveils Energy Crisis Mitigation Plan Amid Iran Conflict
The European Union has announced a comprehensive plan to address the energy crisis exacerbated by the ongoing conflict with Iran. This initiative includes cutting electricity taxes and promoting renewable energy investments to shield households and businesses from rising energy costs. The long-term implication is a strategic shift towards renewable energy, potentially reducing reliance on volatile fossil fuel markets in the future.
3 sourcesApr 25Low - Economy· UAE
U.S. Treasury Secretary Endorses Currency Swap Line for UAE Amid Iran War Disruptions
On April 22, 2026, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent endorsed a currency swap line for the United Arab Emirates during a Senate hearing. This endorsement comes in response to the UAE's request for support due to export disruptions caused by the ongoing war in Iran, particularly affecting oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz. The long-term implication is that this move may stabilize dollar liquidity in the region and strengthen U.S.-UAE economic ties amidst rising geopolitical tensions.
7 sourcesApr 25Low
- Economy· World
Global Billionaire Population Projected to Reach Nearly 4,000 by 2031
The number of billionaires worldwide is expected to rise from 3,110 to approximately 3,915 over the next five years. This increase is driven by rapid technological advancements, particularly in artificial intelligence. The long-term implication raises critical questions about wealth inequality and the concentration of wealth among a small elite, necessitating a reevaluation of economic equity measures.
4 sourcesApr 25Low - Business· World
Samsung workers demand profit share from AI-driven chip sales amid labor unrest
Samsung Electronics workers have rallied at the Pyeongtaek campus, threatening an 18-day strike if their demands for a share of $38 billion in AI-related profits are not met. This labor unrest is triggered by the lucrative AI market and the workers' desire for equitable compensation. The outcome of this dispute could significantly impact Samsung's operations and the broader memory chip supply chain critical for AI applications.
4 sourcesApr 25High - Economy· World
UK government reports net borrowing of £132 billion amid Iran conflict concerns
The UK government has reported a net borrowing of £132 billion for the financial year ending in March, slightly below the forecast. This borrowing figure comes as analysts express concerns that the ongoing conflict in Iran could negatively impact future fiscal stability and consumer confidence. Long-term implications suggest that the UK may face increased economic pressures, potentially leading to higher borrowing needs and further declines in consumer confidence as the situation evolves.
4 sourcesApr 25Low - Crypto· MENA
Cryptocurrency Scammers Exploit Shipping Crisis in Strait of Hormuz
Cryptocurrency scammers have targeted shipping companies with vessels stranded near the Strait of Hormuz, demanding transit fees in Bitcoin or Tether for promised safe passage. This surge in fraudulent activity is occurring amid heightened geopolitical tensions following recent US and Israeli airstrikes on Iran, which have led to blockades and attacks on commercial shipping. The long-term implication may involve increased scrutiny and regulation of cryptocurrency transactions in maritime contexts to prevent exploitation during crises.
8 sourcesApr 25Moderate
- Economy· World
Brent Crude Oil Prices Exceed $106 Amid US-Iran Naval Blockade in Strait of Hormuz
Brent crude oil prices surged above $106 per barrel as the United States and Iran engaged in a mutual naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. This escalation follows a series of tit-for-tat actions stemming from the US-Israel airstrikes on Iran that began on February 28, 2026. The ongoing crisis is likely to lead to sustained high oil prices and increased energy shortages globally as shipping through the strait remains severely disrupted.
6 sourcesApr 25High - Business· World
Lululemon Athletica Appoints Heidi O'Neill as New CEO Effective September 2026
Lululemon Athletica announced the appointment of Heidi O'Neill as its new CEO, effective September 8, 2026, following the departure of Calvin McDonald. This leadership change comes amid declining sales in North America and pressure from founder Chip Wilson and activist investors for a strategic overhaul. The long-term implication may involve a renewed focus on product innovation and global market expansion to address competitive challenges in the athleisure sector.
6 sourcesApr 25Low
- Economy· World
Bank of England Deputy Governor Warns of Overvalued Global Stock Markets
Sarah Breeden, the deputy governor of the Bank of England, has warned that global stock markets are overvalued and likely to decline due to unaccounted macroeconomic risks. This warning comes as concerns grow over private credit markets and inflated valuations in the artificial intelligence sector. Investors should prepare for potential market corrections as these economic risks become more apparent.
3 sourcesApr 25Moderate - Business· World
Canada approves Enbridge's $4 billion natural gas pipeline expansion
Canada has approved Enbridge's proposed expansion of a natural gas pipeline system. This decision is driven by the government's broader energy strategy and serves as a test of the regulatory approval process under the Carney administration. The long-term implication is that this approval may lead to increased investment in similar energy infrastructure projects across Canada.
3 sourcesApr 25Moderate - Economy· World
Oil production in the Persian Gulf drops 57% due to ongoing US-Iran conflict
Oil supply from Persian Gulf nations has drastically decreased due to the ongoing US-Iran crisis. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz, exacerbated by Iranian actions, has led to significant disruptions in global oil trade. Long-term economic instability in the Gulf region is anticipated, impacting global oil markets for an extended period.
3 sourcesApr 25Moderate - Business· World
Chinese Automakers Showcase Innovations at Beijing Auto Show Amid Domestic Sales Decline
Chinese car manufacturers unveiled their latest electric vehicles and autonomous driving technologies at the Beijing auto show. This shift is driven by a slowdown in domestic sales and a strategic pivot towards international markets, highlighted by a 63% increase in vehicle exports in the first quarter of 2026. As these companies continue to innovate, they are likely to significantly influence the global automotive landscape by expanding their presence abroad and enhancing vehicle technology.
3 sourcesApr 25Moderate