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- Crypto· World
Jai Patel resigns as CEO of Stack BTC amid leadership changes
Jai Patel resigned as CEO of Stack BTC on April 15, 2026. This leadership transition follows the company's relaunch in March 2026 and aims to enhance its bitcoin treasury and acquisition strategy. The long-term implication may involve increased scrutiny on the firm's management practices and potential regulatory responses due to its political connections.
4 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
UK GDP Grows 0.5% in February 2026 Amid Iran War Onset
The United Kingdom's GDP expanded by 0.5% month-on-month in February 2026, marking the strongest growth since January 2024. This growth surge is occurring just before the Iran war's onset on February 28, 2026, which has disrupted energy supplies and raised inflation risks. Long-term, the UK economy faces vulnerabilities from energy price shocks and potential labor market softening due to the ongoing geopolitical crisis.
4 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Business· World
Fire at Viva Energy Geelong Refinery Disrupts 10 Percent of Australia's Fuel Supply
A fire broke out at the Viva Energy oil refinery in Geelong, Australia, on April 15, 2026, due to an equipment failure that ignited a gas leak. The incident occurs amid ongoing disruptions to fuel imports from the Middle East, exacerbating Australia's already strained fuel supply situation. Long-term implications include potential petrol price increases and heightened scrutiny on aging infrastructure in the energy sector.
8 sourcesApr 17High
- Business· World
Tesco PLC Issues Profit Warning Amid Iran War Uncertainty
On April 16, 2026, Tesco PLC warned of a potential profit decline for the fiscal year 2026/27 due to escalating uncertainty from the ongoing Iran war. The immediate trigger for this warning is the geopolitical volatility affecting energy prices and consumer spending, which could disrupt supply chains. Long-term implications may include increased inflation pressures on UK households and potential shifts in the supermarket sector's operational strategies.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
easyJet Projects £540–560 Million Pretax Loss Due to Middle East Conflict Fuel Surge
On 16 April 2026, easyJet plc announced a forecasted headline pretax loss of £540–560 million for the first half of the fiscal year, significantly widening from the previous year's loss. This financial downturn is primarily attributed to a £25 million increase in jet fuel costs linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict, alongside intensified competition and legal provisions. The airline's withdrawal of full-year guidance indicates a challenging outlook for the aviation sector amid volatile fuel prices and shifting customer demand.
5 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Repsol Regains Control of Venezuelan Petroquiriquire Oil Field to Increase Production
Repsol has signed an agreement with the Venezuelan government and PDVSA to regain operational control of the Petroquiriquire oil field, aiming to increase production from 45,000 barrels per day to 135,000 barrels per day within three years. This development follows the easing of U.S. sanctions after the capture of Maduro, allowing foreign investment in Venezuela's energy sector. The long-term implication is a potential revitalization of Venezuela's oil industry, which could impact global oil supply and prices.
4 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Economy· World
United States Industrial Production Declines 0.5 Percent Amid Geopolitical Tensions
The United States experienced a 0.5 percent decline in industrial production for March 2026, as reported by the Federal Reserve. This downturn is attributed to escalating geopolitical tensions from the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, which has significantly increased oil prices and created uncertainty in investment. Long-term, this decline may signal a weakening in global demand, potentially impacting U.S. exports and economic recovery efforts.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
UK Government Develops Contingency Plans for Food Shortages Amid Ongoing Iran War
UK government officials have initiated worst-case scenario planning for potential food shortages, particularly of chicken and pork, due to the ongoing Iran war. This preparation is triggered by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted supply chains essential for food processing, including carbon dioxide production. Long-term implications include a forecasted food inflation rate of 9% by December 2026, prompting further strategic adjustments in the food supply sector.
3 sourcesApr 17High
- Crypto· World
Justin Sun Accuses Trump Family-Backed World Liberty Financial of Account Freezing Mechanism
Justin Sun has publicly accused World Liberty Financial of implementing a 'trap door' mechanism that allows for the unilateral freezing of investor accounts, impacting his own holdings significantly. This accusation comes after Sun's account was frozen since September 2025, leading to substantial financial losses amid a broader decline in WLFI token value. The ongoing dispute raises concerns about governance and investor trust in cryptocurrency ventures linked to political figures, potentially affecting future investments in the sector.
6 sourcesApr 17High
- Economy· World
U.S. Energy Secretary Warns of Peak Energy Prices Amid Ongoing Iran Conflict
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has predicted that energy prices will peak in the coming weeks due to the ongoing U.S.-Iran war and disruptions in oil supply. The immediate trigger for this forecast is Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which has significantly impacted global oil transit and coincided with seasonal demand increases. Long-term implications may include sustained high gasoline prices affecting the U.S. economy and political landscape as midterm elections approach.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
US Producer Price Index Rises 4 Percent Year-Over-Year Due to Iran War Energy Price Surge
The United States Producer Price Index for final demand increased by 4 percent year-over-year in March 2026, driven by an 8.5 percent monthly rise in energy prices. This surge is a direct consequence of the ongoing war in Iran, which has disrupted oil supply chains, particularly following the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Long-term, this inflationary pressure may lead to increased economic volatility and complicate monetary policy decisions in the U.S.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Walt Disney Company announces layoffs of 1,000 employees across multiple divisions
The Walt Disney Company has initiated layoffs affecting approximately 1,000 employees, primarily in its television and movie studios, ESPN, and marketing divisions. This decision comes as CEO Josh D'Amaro aims to streamline operations and adapt to the ongoing challenges in traditional television and streaming profitability. The long-term implication may involve further restructuring within the company as it reallocates resources towards digital growth areas amidst industry pressures.
8 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
U.S. Utilities Plan $1.4 Trillion Investment to Upgrade Power Grid by 2030
U.S. investor-owned utilities have announced a projected $1.4 trillion in capital expenditures through 2030 to enhance the power grid. This surge in spending, a 21% increase from previous plans, is driven by rising electricity demand from AI data centers and electric vehicles. Long-term, this investment may lead to higher residential electric bills as utilities seek to manage the increased load and maintain grid resiliency.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· World
U.S. Treasury Secretary Projects Economic Growth Above 3.5% Despite Middle East Tensions
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has forecasted that the U.S. economy could grow beyond 3.5% in 2026, presenting an optimistic outlook amid ongoing geopolitical conflicts. This assessment comes as global growth forecasts are downgraded due to disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz caused by the Iran war. The long-term implication suggests that the U.S. may continue to demonstrate economic resilience, potentially influencing global market dynamics and energy policies.
4 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
European Union Implements Jet Fuel Contingency Plans Amid Supply Crisis
On April 16, 2026, the European Commission advanced draft contingency measures to secure aircraft fuel supplies across EU member states amid disruptions from the Iran conflict. This initiative is triggered by warnings of potential stock depletions within three to six weeks due to a naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, which threatens 75 percent of Europe's jet fuel imports. Long-term implications include increased domestic refinery utilization and potential regulatory changes to enhance supply chain resilience in the aviation sector.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Economy· MENA
IMF Lowers 2026 Global Growth Forecast to 3.1 Percent Due to Middle East Conflict
The International Monetary Fund has downgraded its global growth forecast for 2026 to 3.1 percent, reflecting the economic impact of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East disrupting oil supplies. This revision is triggered by the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and damage to oil infrastructure, which has led to rising inflation and stalled recovery momentum. Long-term implications suggest that if hostilities persist, global growth could decline further, prompting central banks to prepare for inflationary pressures and fiscal challenges in the Gulf region.
14 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Business· World
United Airlines CEO proposes merger with American Airlines during White House meeting
On February 25, 2026, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby proposed a merger with American Airlines during a meeting with President Donald Trump. This proposal comes amid rising jet fuel costs linked to the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran and American Airlines' significant debt burden. If successful, the merger could reshape the U.S. airline industry, potentially leading to increased market concentration and regulatory scrutiny ahead of the 2026 midterms.
7 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
Aegon Divests UK Operations to Standard Life for £2 Billion
Aegon has announced the sale of its UK business to Standard Life for £2 billion, marking a significant shift in its operational focus towards the US market. This divestiture is driven by Aegon's strategic review initiated in late 2025, aiming to streamline operations and enhance its presence in the US life insurance and retirement sectors. The long-term implication is the consolidation of the UK pensions market, positioning Standard Life as a dominant player with £480 billion in combined assets under administration.
3 sourcesApr 17Low
- Business· World
JPMorgan Chase Reports Record Q1 2026 Profits Amid U.S. Economic Resilience Despite Iran War
On April 14, 2026, JPMorgan Chase announced a record $17 billion profit for Q1 2026, highlighting the resilience of the U.S. economy despite the ongoing Iran War. This financial success is attributed to strong client sentiment and increased trading revenues driven by market volatility from geopolitical tensions. In the long term, the banking sector may face challenges from rising energy costs and inflation risks, prompting a cautious outlook for future earnings.
3 sourcesApr 17Moderate
- Business· World
Snap Inc. announces layoffs of 1,000 employees to enhance AI integration and cut costs
Snap Inc. has laid off approximately 1,000 employees, representing 16% of its workforce, as part of a restructuring effort aimed at achieving profitability. This decision follows pressure from activist investor Irenic Capital Management to implement cost-cutting measures and increase the use of artificial intelligence. The long-term implication is a potential shift in the tech industry towards greater reliance on AI, as companies seek to streamline operations amid ongoing economic challenges.
15 sourcesApr 17Moderate