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
8638 stories- Economy· World
Oil Prices Rise Over 5% Due to US-Iran Ceasefire Violations
Oil prices surged more than 5% on April 20, 2026, following renewed tensions between the United States and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz after both sides violated a ceasefire. The immediate trigger was the U.S. Navy's seizure of an Iranian tanker and Iran's attacks on commercial vessels, which severely restricted shipping through a critical global oil passage. Long-term implications include heightened volatility in oil markets and potential disruptions to global supply chains as geopolitical tensions escalate.
23 sourcesApr 21High
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Eastern Province Emir Hosts Graduation for 3,464 Vocational Trainees
The Emir of Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, presided over a graduation ceremony for 3,464 male trainees on April 20, 2026. This event is part of Saudi Arabia's ongoing efforts to enhance vocational training and workforce development in alignment with Vision 2030. The long-term implication is a strengthened national workforce aimed at reducing reliance on expatriate labor and fostering economic diversification.
2 sourcesApr 20Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia's Domestic Liquidity Reaches SR3.289 Trillion by February 2026
Saudi Arabia's domestic liquidity (M3 money supply) surged 8.4 percent to SR3.289 trillion by the end of February 2026. This increase is driven by substantial growth in time and savings deposits and other quasi-monetary deposits amid ongoing economic diversification efforts. The long-term implication suggests enhanced financial stability in the region, potentially facilitating increased investments and trade flows within the GCC.
2 sourcesApr 20Low
- Crypto· World
Ethereum Whale Expands Long Position to 30,000 ETH After $44.61 Million Profit Realization
An Ethereum whale increased its leveraged long position to 30,000 ETH after securing $44.61 million in profits over the past two months. This move follows a brief price pullback near $2,300, reflecting the trader's bullish outlook amid ongoing market volatility. The long-term implication suggests heightened risks in the leveraged trading environment, particularly as analysts warn of potential liquidation risks if ETH prices dip below critical support levels.
2 sourcesApr 20Low
- Business· World
Ford CEO Critiques Tesla While Highlighting BYD's EV Leadership
Ford CEO Jim Farley has publicly questioned Tesla's lack of vehicle updates, positioning BYD as a benchmark for cost and efficiency in the EV market. This statement comes as Ford faces significant losses in its EV division and seeks to pivot towards more affordable electric vehicles for U.S. consumers. The long-term implication suggests that Ford may increasingly adopt strategies inspired by Chinese manufacturers to regain competitiveness in the evolving automotive landscape.
2 sourcesApr 20High
- Economy· World
Lagarde Warns of Potential ECB Rate Hikes Due to Energy Support Amid Iran War
Christine Lagarde, President of the European Central Bank, cautioned that excessive government fiscal measures to support energy could lead to increased inflation, necessitating higher interest rates. This warning comes as the ongoing war in Iran disrupts global energy supplies and pushes oil prices to around $130 per barrel. In the long term, the ECB may need to adopt a more aggressive monetary policy stance to combat inflationary pressures resulting from these fiscal measures and geopolitical tensions.
4 sourcesApr 20Low
- Economy· MENA
Oil Prices Surge Over 6% Amid US-Iran Tensions and Strait of Hormuz Restrictions
On April 19, 2026, oil prices surged more than 6% as tensions escalated between the US and Iran, threatening a fragile ceasefire. The immediate trigger was the US Navy's seizure of an Iranian cargo ship, prompting Iran to reimpose restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz, raising fears of supply disruptions. Long-term implications include heightened geopolitical uncertainty and potential further volatility in global oil markets as the ceasefire approaches its expiration on April 22.
6 sourcesApr 20High
- Economy· MENA
Iraq Reopens Rabia Border Crossing with Syria to Boost Fuel Oil Exports
Iraq reopened the Rabia border crossing with Syria on April 20, 2026, after over a decade of closure to facilitate fuel oil exports. This move is triggered by the need to address disruptions in Iraq's maritime exports due to the ongoing Iran war and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Long-term, this reopening is expected to enhance Iraq's export capacity and stabilize regional energy markets.
4 sourcesApr 20Low
- Business· World
USA Rare Earth to Acquire Serra Verde Group for $2.8 Billion
On April 20, 2026, USA Rare Earth, Inc. announced a definitive agreement to acquire Serra Verde Group for approximately $2.8 billion. This acquisition is driven by the U.S. strategy to secure critical mineral supply chains and reduce reliance on Chinese rare earths. The long-term implication is the establishment of a leading non-Chinese global supplier, potentially influencing global pricing and supply dynamics in the rare earth market.
3 sourcesApr 20High
- Economy· World
UK Job Losses Forecasted Amid Economic Downturn Linked to Iran War
The EY Item Club has projected that the UK could see up to 250,000 job losses by mid-2027 as the economy risks entering a technical recession. This forecast is triggered by soaring energy prices and supply chain disruptions stemming from the ongoing US-Israel-Iran conflict, particularly following Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Long-term implications suggest that the UK economy may struggle significantly, with GDP growth halving and unemployment rising to 5.8% as businesses adopt defensive strategies to mitigate the fallout.
3 sourcesApr 20Low
- Crypto· World
Kelp DAO Exploit Linked to North Korean Lazarus Group Results in $292 Million Loss
Kelp DAO experienced a $292 million exploit attributed to North Korea's Lazarus Group, marking the largest DeFi exploit of 2026. The attack was triggered by vulnerabilities in Kelp's decentralized verifier network configuration, which allowed attackers to forge cross-chain messages. This incident is likely to prompt stricter security measures across DeFi protocols and increased scrutiny of cross-chain technologies.
5 sourcesApr 20High
- Crypto· World
OKX Funds Investigation into RAVE Token Pump-and-Dump Following 95% Market Crash
On April 18, 2026, the RAVE token experienced a dramatic 95% crash, dropping from $26 to under $1, resulting in a loss of $6 billion in market capitalization. This collapse was triggered by allegations of insider market manipulation, with ZachXBT highlighting the concentrated control of 95% of the token supply by a few wallets. In the long term, this incident may lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory actions within the cryptocurrency market as exchanges begin internal investigations and user trust is challenged.
3 sourcesApr 20High
- Business· World
Polymarket Negotiates $400 Million Capital Raise Targeting $15 Billion Valuation
Polymarket has initiated negotiations for a $400 million capital raise aimed at achieving a $15 billion valuation. This move comes in response to increased user activity and trading volumes exceeding $10 billion, alongside a recent $600 million investment from Intercontinental Exchange. The long-term implication is a potential shift in the competitive landscape of prediction markets, as Polymarket seeks to solidify its position against rivals like Kalshi.
6 sourcesApr 20High
- Crypto· World
Kelp DAO Exploit Results in $292 Million Loss and Highlights DeFi Vulnerabilities
On April 18, 2026, an attacker exploited Kelp DAO's LayerZero bridge, draining 116,500 rsETH tokens valued at approximately $292 million. This incident was triggered by the protocol's single-signer bridge configuration, which allowed unauthorized token minting without asset backing. The long-term implication is a heightened scrutiny of cross-chain mechanisms and potential regulatory changes in the DeFi space to enhance security measures.
9 sourcesApr 20Very High
- Crypto· World
Michael Saylor Indicates Major Bitcoin Acquisition Approaching 800,000 BTC Holdings
Michael Saylor has hinted at a significant upcoming Bitcoin purchase, following Strategy's recent acquisition of 13,927 BTC, bringing total holdings to 780,897 BTC. This announcement comes amid ongoing market volatility and reflects Strategy's aggressive treasury expansion strategy. The long-term implication could see Strategy surpassing 800,000 BTC holdings, potentially influencing Bitcoin market dynamics and corporate treasury strategies globally.
11 sourcesApr 20High
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Falls Below $74,000 as US-Iran Tensions Escalate
Bitcoin's price has retracted below the $74,000 support level following heightened tensions between the United States and Iran. This decline was triggered by Iran's rejection of peace talks and a U.S. military seizure of an Iranian cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. The long-term implication may involve increased volatility in cryptocurrency markets as geopolitical instability continues to affect investor sentiment.
4 sourcesApr 20Low
- Business· World
Psychedelic Biotechnology Stocks Rally Following Trump's Executive Order to Expedite Drug Research
President Donald Trump signed an executive order on April 18, 2026, directing the FDA to fast-track reviews of psychedelic drugs for mental health conditions. This surge in activity is driven by increasing evidence of psychedelics' therapeutic potential and prior FDA rejections, alongside bipartisan support for expanded access. The long-term implication is a likely transformation in mental health treatment paradigms and significant growth in the psychedelic biotech sector over the coming years.
3 sourcesApr 20Moderate
- Business· UAE
Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Mashreq Engage Private Sector Leaders to Strengthen Financial Resilience
Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Mashreq conducted an open dialogue with 82 private sector representatives to address banking needs and financing solutions. This initiative is part of ongoing efforts to align financial products with the evolving requirements of businesses amid changing economic conditions. The long-term implication is a strengthened private sector ecosystem in Dubai, enhancing operational efficiency and competitiveness in the global market.
2 sourcesApr 20Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia's Real Estate Prices Decline 1.6% Year-on-Year in Q1 2026
Saudi Arabia's property prices have recorded a 1.6% year-on-year decline in the first quarter of 2026, marking the first consecutive quarterly reductions in years. This decline is primarily driven by a 3.6% decrease in residential sector prices, particularly in the Riyadh region, amid government efforts to enhance housing affordability. Long-term implications suggest a potential stabilization of the market with modest growth anticipated later in 2026 as government interventions continue to address affordability issues.
2 sourcesApr 20Low
- Business· World
CuspAI Seeks Over $200 Million in Funding to Achieve $1 Billion Valuation
On April 20, 2026, CuspAI initiated discussions to secure at least $200 million in funding, aiming for a valuation exceeding $1 billion. This move comes as the startup, which specializes in AI-driven materials discovery, seeks to capitalize on rising investments in AI technologies. If successful, this funding round could significantly enhance CuspAI's position in the competitive landscape of AI and materials science innovation.
2 sourcesApr 20Low