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
8690 stories- Economy· World
UK GDP Grows 0.5% in February 2026 Ahead of Iran War
The UK gross domestic product (GDP) increased by 0.5% in February 2026, surpassing forecasts and indicating economic strength before the Iran war. This growth is attributed to broad expansions in services, production, and a rebound in construction, occurring just before the onset of military conflict and subsequent energy price shocks. Long-term implications include a significant downgrade in UK growth forecasts by the IMF, reflecting the destabilizing effects of the war on the economy and business confidence.
3 sourcesApr 16Moderate
- Business· UAE
UAE Ministry of Investment and Jereh Group Sign MoU for Clean Energy Platform
On April 16, 2026, the UAE Ministry of Investment signed a Memorandum of Understanding with China's Jereh Group to develop an integrated platform for clean energy and advanced manufacturing. This agreement is triggered by the UAE's commitment to its Energy Strategy 2050 and aims to enhance bilateral economic ties with China. The long-term implication is the establishment of the UAE as a regional hub for next-generation energy technologies and manufacturing, supporting its net-zero ambitions by 2050.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
Samsung Electronics Files Court Petition Against Union Strike Activities in South Korea
On April 16, 2026, Samsung Electronics filed a petition with the Suwon District Court to block its South Korean labor unions from engaging in illegal activities during a planned strike over wage disputes. This action comes as unions demand significant changes to bonus structures amid ongoing negotiations, with a strike authorized for May 21 if no agreement is reached. The long-term implication may involve heightened tensions between corporate management and labor unions, potentially impacting semiconductor production and global supply chains.
2 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· World
European Stocks Rise on Optimism for Middle East Peace Talks
European stocks experienced a modest increase on April 16, 2026, driven by optimism surrounding U.S.-brokered Israel-Lebanon talks aimed at de-escalating regional tensions. This positive market response follows a period of volatility due to escalating conflicts in the Middle East, particularly involving Iran, Israel, and Lebanon. If successful, these diplomatic efforts could stabilize markets and restore investor confidence in European equities amid ongoing energy concerns.
2 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· World
Brent Crude Oil Futures Surge Amid US-Iran Peace Talk Skepticism
On April 16, 2026, Brent crude futures rose 1.43% to $96.29 per barrel, reflecting volatility in global oil markets. This increase was triggered by investor doubts regarding the effectiveness of ongoing US-Iran peace negotiations, which have been crucial for stabilizing Middle East oil production. Long-term, the uncertainty surrounding these negotiations may lead to continued fluctuations in oil prices and potential supply chain disruptions in the energy sector.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· UAE
UAE Central Bank Launches Financial Resilience Package Amid Geopolitical Tensions
On April 16, 2026, the Central Bank of the UAE announced a proactive Financial Institution Resilience Package during the IMF-World Bank Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C. This initiative, backed by AED 1 trillion in assets, was triggered by heightened geopolitical tensions affecting regional markets, particularly the ongoing Iran conflict. The long-term implication is a strengthened UAE banking sector poised to maintain stability and support economic growth amidst global volatility.
2 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· MENA
MCX Lists UAE Good Delivery Gold Bars for Trade in India
The Multi Commodity Exchange of India has officially listed 100-gram gold bars produced by UAE-accredited refineries. This development is triggered by the recent MCX circular that recognizes UAE gold refining standards, enhancing trade relations following the UAE-India Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement. Long-term, this move is expected to significantly boost bilateral gold trade and solidify the UAE's position in the global gold market.
2 sourcesApr 16Low
- Crypto· World
World Liberty Financial Investors Oppose Token Vesting Proposal
On April 15, 2026, World Liberty Financial proposed a governance change to extend the vesting period for 62 billion locked tokens, sparking significant backlash from major investors. The immediate trigger for this revolt is the perception of coercion and centralized control, particularly highlighted by Justin Sun's public denouncement of the proposal. This conflict may lead to increased scrutiny of governance practices in decentralized finance and potential regulatory implications for token management.
2 sourcesApr 16High
- Crypto· World
U.S. CLARITY Act Negotiations Focus on Key Regulatory Issues for Digital Assets
Negotiations for the U.S. Digital Asset Market Clarity Act have narrowed to 2-3 key unresolved issues as of April 16, 2026. This shift follows a JPMorgan report indicating a 'very close' draft amid ongoing disputes over stablecoin rewards and token classification. The outcome of these negotiations is likely to shape the regulatory landscape for digital assets and influence market confidence in cryptocurrencies like XRP.
3 sourcesApr 16Moderate
- Crypto· World
Denmark's Cryptocurrency Ownership Remains Steady at 4% in 2025
Danmarks Nationalbank's recent staff paper reveals that 4% of Danish citizens owned cryptocurrency as of late 2025, a figure unchanged since 2023. This stagnation is attributed to banking restrictions and regulatory caution that have historically limited crypto adoption in Denmark. The long-term implication suggests that without significant regulatory changes, Denmark may continue to lag behind its Nordic neighbors in cryptocurrency adoption.
2 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· World
Spot Gold Prices Surge Amid U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Extension Talks
Spot gold prices rose 0.84% to $4,830.07 per ounce on April 16, 2026, driven by renewed optimism for a potential extension of the U.S.-Iran ceasefire. This surge is occurring as diplomatic negotiations intensify following a temporary ceasefire initiated on April 7, aimed at addressing conflicts affecting energy supplies. Long-term, this could stabilize gold prices and influence inflationary trends as geopolitical tensions ease.
2 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
Barry Callebaut Reports 4.2% Profit Decline and Cuts Full-Year Outlook Amid Cocoa Market Crisis
Barry Callebaut AG announced a 4.2% decline in recurring operating profit and a downward revision of its full-year outlook due to a significant drop in cocoa prices and market overcapacity. The immediate trigger for this shift is attributed to weak demand and supply chain disruptions linked to the ongoing Iran war, alongside record cocoa harvests in West Africa. In the long term, this situation may lead to further instability in the chocolate industry and potential adjustments in pricing strategies for cocoa and chocolate products globally.
2 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Remain Stable Amid US-Iran Negotiation Skepticism
On April 16, 2026, global oil prices showed minimal change as investors doubted the effectiveness of US-Iran peace talks in resolving disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. This skepticism follows a series of failed negotiations and ongoing military tensions that have severely impacted oil flows through the region. Long-term, the situation may lead to continued volatility in oil prices and heightened geopolitical tensions affecting global energy markets.
2 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· MENA
TotalEnergies Projects Significant Q1 2026 Earnings Increase Amid Middle East Tensions
TotalEnergies SE has forecasted a sharp rise in first-quarter 2026 earnings due to strong trading performance and high hydrocarbon prices. This projection is triggered by recent geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, including the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on energy infrastructure. Long-term, these developments may lead to increased volatility in energy markets and further disruptions in supply chains across the region.
2 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
TotalEnergies Projects Significant Q1 2026 Earnings Increase Amid Oil Price Surge and Middle East Production Challenges
TotalEnergies announced on April 16, 2026, a forecast for substantially higher first-quarter earnings driven by strong trading and elevated oil prices despite a 15% production cut in the Middle East. This surge in earnings is attributed to the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region, particularly the Iran conflict, which has disrupted oil supply and increased prices. In the long term, the volatility in oil markets may lead to strategic shifts in energy trading and production strategies among major oil companies.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
easyJet forecasts £540–560 million pre-tax loss amid Iran war fuel cost surge
On 16 April 2026, easyJet plc announced a forecasted headline pre-tax loss of £540–560 million for the first half of the fiscal year, a significant increase from £394 million the previous year. This financial deterioration is primarily attributed to rising fuel costs linked to the ongoing US-Iran conflict, alongside increased legal provisions and competitive pressures. The long-term implication suggests that easyJet may need to reassess its operational strategies and route offerings as summer bookings decline amid heightened uncertainty in the aviation market.
5 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
Tesco Issues Profit Warning Amid Iran War Uncertainty
On 16 April 2026, Tesco PLC announced a potential decline in profits due to the ongoing Iran war's impact on consumer behavior and economic conditions. The immediate trigger for this warning is the heightened geopolitical tensions and their effects on supply chains and inflation, particularly in the food sector. Long-term implications may include increased competition and regulatory challenges for UK supermarkets as they navigate a volatile market environment influenced by international conflicts.
3 sourcesApr 16Moderate
- Economy· World
Fire at Viva Energy Geelong Refinery Disrupts Petrol Production Amid Australian Fuel Security Crisis
A major fire erupted at Viva Energy Australia's Geelong oil refinery, disrupting petrol production and raising concerns over fuel shortages. The incident was triggered by a gas leak and explosions, occurring at a time when Australia is already facing fuel supply challenges due to the ongoing Iran war. Long-term implications include potential petrol price spikes and increased government intervention to secure fuel imports amid a reliance on foreign supplies.
3 sourcesApr 16High
- Crypto· UAE
UAE Capital Market Authority Launches New Regulatory Framework for Virtual Assets
On April 13, 2026, the UAE Capital Market Authority (CMA) issued a comprehensive regulatory framework for virtual assets, expanding regulated activities from three to eight. This initiative is driven by the UAE's strategic goal to establish itself as a global hub for virtual assets and to align with international standards. The long-term implication is expected to be an influx of licensed virtual asset service providers (VASPs) and enhanced investor protections across the region.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· MENA
Spot Crude Oil Prices Near 150 USD per Barrel Due to Strait of Hormuz Disruptions
Spot prices for North Sea Forties crude oil surged to 148.87 USD per barrel as European and Asian refiners faced severe supply constraints in the Strait of Hormuz. This escalation is triggered by the ongoing US-Iran conflict, which has drastically reduced oil flows through this critical chokepoint. Long-term implications include sustained high oil prices and potential recession risks if supply disruptions continue.
3 sourcesApr 16Low