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
8664 stories- Business· World
Federal Jury Finds Live Nation and Ticketmaster Liable for Antitrust Violations in Ticketing Market
On April 15, 2026, a federal jury in Manhattan found Live Nation Entertainment and Ticketmaster liable for illegally monopolizing the primary ticketing market for major U.S. concert venues. This verdict follows a lawsuit by the U.S. Department of Justice and 36 states, triggered by allegations of anticompetitive practices and consumer overcharges. The ruling may lead to significant changes in the ticketing industry, including potential damages and structural remedies such as divestitures.
5 sourcesApr 19Low
- Business· World
European Airlines Face Jet Fuel Shortages Amid Strait of Hormuz Disruptions
European airlines are confronting potential jet fuel shortages within weeks due to ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. This crisis has been triggered by the 2026 Iran war, where Iran has blocked shipments and the U.S. imposed a naval blockade, severely limiting imports that supply 41 percent of Europe's jet fuel. If the strait remains closed, airlines may have to cut flights during the peak summer travel season, leading to significant operational challenges for the aviation industry.
21 sourcesApr 19Moderate
- Business· World
Air Canada Suspends Flights to New York JFK Due to Jet Fuel Price Surge Amid Iran War
On April 18, 2026, Air Canada announced the suspension of flights from Toronto and Montreal to New York's JFK Airport due to doubled jet fuel prices resulting from the ongoing Iran war. The immediate trigger for this decision is the severe disruption of global oil and jet fuel supplies caused by the conflict, which has rendered these routes uneconomic. In the long term, this suspension may lead to increased operational adjustments across the aviation industry as airlines reassess route profitability amid rising fuel costs.
3 sourcesApr 19High
- Economy· World
Iran Reopens Strait of Hormuz Leading to Oil Price Drop Below $85 per Barrel
On April 17, 2026, Iran announced the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to commercial shipping, resulting in a significant decline in global oil prices. This development was triggered by a temporary ceasefire involving Israel and Lebanon, which alleviated fears of prolonged supply disruptions. The long-term implication may involve fluctuating oil prices as geopolitical tensions continue, especially with the U.S. naval blockade still in effect.
14 sourcesApr 19High
- Business· World
U.S. Court Freezes Nexstar-Tegna Merger Integration Amid Antitrust Concerns
On April 17, 2026, a U.S. District Court issued a preliminary injunction halting the operational integration of Nexstar Media Group and Tegna Inc. due to an antitrust lawsuit filed by DirecTV and several states. This ruling comes after the $6.2 billion merger, which had previously received regulatory approvals, faced late legal challenges citing reduced competition in local TV markets. The long-term implication may involve prolonged litigation and potential restructuring of the media landscape as Nexstar plans to appeal the decision.
3 sourcesApr 19Moderate
- Crypto· World
Binance and Bitget Launch Investigations into RaveDAO's RAVE Token Surge Amid Insider Manipulation Claims
On April 18, 2026, Binance and Bitget announced investigations into allegations of insider manipulation related to a 4,500% surge in RaveDAO's RAVE token. The immediate trigger for these investigations was on-chain investigator ZachXBT's claims that insiders controlled nearly 90% of the token supply and orchestrated a short squeeze. This incident raises concerns about market integrity and could lead to increased regulatory scrutiny of cryptocurrency exchanges and token governance practices.
2 sourcesApr 18Very High
- Crypto· World
KelpDAO rsETH exploit leads to over $280 million in bad debt on Aave V3
The KelpDAO rsETH exploit on April 18, 2026, resulted in unauthorized minting of liquid restaking tokens, causing more than $280 million in bad debt across Ethereum and Arbitrum DeFi lending protocols. This incident was triggered by a vulnerability in the rsETH minting mechanism, which allowed the issuance of tokens without collateral deposits. In the long term, this exploit may prompt increased scrutiny and regulatory measures within the DeFi sector to enhance security and prevent similar incidents.
2 sourcesApr 18High
- Economy· World
Australia Extends Relaxation of Petrol Sulfur Standards Amid Fuel Supply Crisis
Australia has announced an extension of relaxed petrol sulfur standards from 10 ppm to 50 ppm until September 2026 to address ongoing fuel supply disruptions. This decision follows significant shortages caused by the US-Iran war's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and a fire at the Geelong refinery, which has reduced local petrol output. The long-term implication is a potential shift in Australia's fuel import strategies, increasing reliance on Asian suppliers like Petronas while facing criticism from environmental groups.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Economy· World
US Treasury Extends Sanctions Waiver on Russian Oil Until May 2026
The US Treasury Department has extended a temporary sanctions waiver allowing global buyers to purchase Russian crude oil loaded on vessels until May 16, 2026. This decision comes amid energy market volatility triggered by the US-Israel war with Iran and aims to stabilize oil supplies disrupted by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Long-term implications may include further waivers as a strategy to manage market stability while facing criticism for potentially benefiting Russian revenues.
10 sourcesApr 18Moderate
- Business· MENA
Talaat Moustafa Group Unveils $27 Billion Mixed-Use City Project East of Cairo
On April 18, 2026, Talaat Moustafa Group announced the development of 'The Spine', a $27 billion mixed-use city within its Madinaty project east of Cairo. This initiative is triggered by Egypt's national strategy to alleviate urban congestion and attract foreign investment through public-private partnerships. The long-term implication includes significant job creation and a potential boost to Egypt's GDP, positioning the project as a key economic hub in the region.
2 sourcesApr 18Low
- Economy· World
Gold Prices Rise Following Iran's Announcement of Strait of Hormuz Reopening
On April 17, 2026, U.S. gold futures increased by 1.5% after Iran's foreign ministry announced the Strait of Hormuz was open to commercial vessels during a ceasefire. This announcement came amid a U.S. naval blockade and ongoing geopolitical tensions, prompting a temporary reduction in risk premiums. The long-term implication suggests continued volatility in gold and oil markets as the situation evolves with the potential for renewed conflict or further diplomatic efforts.
2 sourcesApr 18Very High
- Economy· World
Brent Crude Prices Drop Following Iran's Reopening of the Strait of Hormuz
On April 18, 2026, Brent crude futures fell to $90.38 per barrel, marking a significant decline in global oil prices. This drop was triggered by Iran's announcement that the Strait of Hormuz would remain open for commercial vessels, easing previous tensions that had disrupted oil supplies. The long-term implication suggests a potential stabilization in oil markets, contingent on the adherence to the ceasefire and ongoing diplomatic negotiations between the U.S. and Iran.
4 sourcesApr 18High
- Economy· MENA
Moody's Revises Bahrain and Iraq Sovereign Outlooks to Negative Due to Regional Conflict Disruptions
On April 17, 2026, Moody's Investors Service changed the sovereign outlooks for Bahrain and Iraq from stable to negative while affirming their respective B2 and Caa1 ratings. This revision is triggered by economic disruptions from the ongoing regional conflict, particularly the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has severely impacted hydrocarbon exports and tourism. Long-term implications include increased credit risks for both nations, potentially leading to further economic instability if the conflict persists and export routes remain compromised.
2 sourcesApr 18Low
- Business· MENA
Dubai Chambers Engages Philippine Business Leaders to Enhance Investment Cooperation
A delegation from Dubai Chambers met with Philippine business leaders in Manila to discuss enhancing bilateral investment cooperation. This initiative follows the recent establishment of Dubai International Chamber's representative office in Manila, reflecting a growing interest in fostering economic ties. The long-term implication is the potential for increased investment flows and collaboration in key sectors such as AI and digital transformation between the two regions.
2 sourcesApr 18Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE Federal Tax Authority Initiates Emirati Tax Agent Programme Training for 50 Nationals
The UAE Federal Tax Authority has launched the first phase of the Emirati Tax Agent Programme, training an initial cohort of 50 Emirati nationals. This initiative is driven by the need for specialized local expertise in tax compliance following the introduction of VAT and corporate tax in the UAE. Long-term, this program aims to certify 500 Emirati tax agents over three years, enhancing national capabilities in the evolving tax landscape.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Business· World
Meta Platforms to Lay Off 10% of Workforce Starting May 20, 2026
Meta Platforms has announced plans to reduce its workforce by approximately 10%, affecting around 8,000 employees, with layoffs set to begin on May 20, 2026. This decision is driven by the company's need to reallocate resources towards increasing investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure amid rising capital costs. The long-term implication suggests a continued trend of workforce reductions across the tech industry as companies adapt to the financial pressures of AI advancements.
2 sourcesApr 18Moderate
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Drop Over 10% After Strait of Hormuz Reopens Amid Israel-Lebanon Ceasefire
Global oil prices fell sharply on April 17, 2026, following the announcement of the temporary reopening of the Strait of Hormuz by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. This development coincided with a 10-day ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon, alleviating concerns over oil supply disruptions through this critical maritime chokepoint. In the long term, the situation may lead to a reevaluation of U.S.-Iran negotiations and regional stability, impacting global oil markets and inflation rates.
2 sourcesApr 18Very High
- Economy· World
University of Chicago Economist Critiques AI Job Displacement Models
Alex Imas published an opinion piece challenging traditional economic views on AI's impact on job displacement, particularly highlighting risks to low-dimensional jobs like trucking and warehousing. This critique is prompted by recent advancements in AI technologies that threaten to automate these roles more rapidly than previously anticipated. Imas advocates for a comprehensive data collection initiative to better understand demand elasticity and its implications for the labor market in the long term.
3 sourcesApr 18Low
- Economy· World
U.S. Fertilizer Buyers Redirect Shipments Overseas Amid Iran War Price Surge
In the week of April 17, 2026, U.S. buyers redirected imported urea nitrogen fertilizer shipments overseas from the Port of New Orleans as global prices soared due to the Iran War. This shift occurred as the conflict disrupted over 30% of global fertilizer exports, creating a significant price premium overseas. The long-term implication is a potential increase in food prices and supply constraints for U.S. farmers, prompting shifts in crop planting strategies.
2 sourcesApr 18Low
- Business· World
Berkshire Hathaway CEO Greg Abel Sells Stocks Managed by Todd Combs
Berkshire Hathaway CEO Greg Abel has divested stocks previously managed by Todd Combs, marking a significant portfolio adjustment within the company. This decision follows Combs' departure to JPMorgan Chase in December 2025 and Abel's assumption of leadership in January 2026. The long-term implication may involve a strategic shift in Berkshire's investment approach as Abel consolidates control over the portfolio amidst a substantial cash position.
2 sourcesApr 18Low