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- Business· World
Hollywood Professionals Oppose Paramount Skydance's $111 Billion Acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery
Over 2,000 Hollywood professionals have signed an open letter opposing Paramount Skydance's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. This backlash is driven by concerns over reduced competition and job losses in an already consolidated media landscape. The long-term implication may lead to increased regulatory scrutiny and potential blocking of the merger by authorities like California's Attorney General.
7 sourcesApr 16Low
- Crypto· World
Justin Sun Accuses World Liberty Financial of Asset Freezing Backdoor in Smart Contracts
Justin Sun has publicly accused World Liberty Financial of implementing a hidden backdoor in its smart contracts that allows for the unilateral freezing of investor assets. This accusation follows Sun's own financial losses after his account was frozen, coinciding with a broader decline in WLFI token value and governance disputes. The ongoing feud raises significant concerns about governance practices in the cryptocurrency sector and could lead to increased regulatory scrutiny of similar projects.
9 sourcesApr 16High
- Economy· World
U.S. Energy Secretary Warns of Peak Gas Prices Amid Ongoing Strait of Hormuz Disruptions
U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright has predicted that gasoline prices will peak in the coming weeks as disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz continue due to the ongoing U.S.-Iran war. This prediction comes as Iran has halted shipping through the strait, a critical chokepoint for global oil flows, leading to a significant rise in U.S. gasoline prices. The long-term implication is that sustained high energy prices may influence U.S. political dynamics and economic policies as the conflict persists.
4 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
Walt Disney Company Announces Layoffs of 1,000 Employees Across Multiple Divisions
The Walt Disney Company has begun the process of eliminating approximately 1,000 positions across its various divisions, including television, film studios, and ESPN, effective April 14, 2026. This decision comes under new CEO Josh D'Amaro as a response to ongoing challenges such as declining traditional television revenue and high content costs. The long-term implication may involve a continued shift in Disney's operational strategy to adapt to the evolving media landscape and enhance efficiency amid increasing competition from streaming services.
8 sourcesApr 16High
- Business· World
U.S. Utilities Plan $1.4 Trillion Investment to Address AI Data Center Electricity Demand
PowerLines has reported that 51 U.S. investor-owned utilities are set to invest at least $1.4 trillion in capital expenditures through 2030 to meet rising electricity demand from AI data centers. This surge in investment is triggered by a significant increase in electricity consumption, reversing decades of flat demand, as utilities adapt to the needs of the growing AI sector. Long-term, this could lead to higher residential electric bills and necessitate regulatory scrutiny over utility spending and efficiency reforms.
3 sourcesApr 16Moderate
- Economy· World
U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent Supports Fed's Decision to Pause Interest Rate Cuts Amid Iran War Impact
On April 14, 2026, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent endorsed the Federal Reserve's decision to delay interest rate cuts due to economic instability caused by the ongoing Iran war. This pause is triggered by rising oil prices and inflationary pressures, prompting a cautious approach from the Fed as it prepares for future rate adjustments. Long-term, this situation may lead to sustained economic volatility and influence U.S. monetary policy as the conflict evolves.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· World
IMF Revises 2026 Global Growth Forecast to 3.1 Percent Due to Middle East Conflict
On April 14, 2026, the International Monetary Fund lowered its global growth forecast for 2026 to 3.1 percent, reflecting the economic impact of the ongoing Middle East war. The immediate cause of this revision is the disruption of oil supplies due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz and damage to energy infrastructure, which has also led to rising inflation. In the long term, this situation may prompt nations to diversify their energy sources and reconsider their economic strategies to mitigate the effects of geopolitical instability.
14 sourcesApr 16Very High
- 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 Trump. This proposal comes amid rising jet fuel prices due to geopolitical tensions, prompting discussions on consolidating U.S. airlines for enhanced competitiveness. If pursued, the merger could face significant antitrust challenges, impacting the future landscape of the U.S. aviation industry.
9 sourcesApr 16Moderate
- Business· World
Aegon Sells UK Insurance Operations to Standard Life for £2 Billion
On April 15, 2026, Aegon announced the sale of its UK insurance operations to Standard Life for £2 billion. This strategic divestment is part of Aegon's broader restructuring to focus on the US life insurance market. The acquisition positions Standard Life as the largest retirement savings entity in the UK, likely prompting further consolidation in the insurance sector.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
JPMorgan Chase Reports Record Q1 2026 Profits Amid U.S. Economic Resilience Despite Ongoing Iran War
On April 14, 2026, JPMorgan Chase announced first-quarter earnings of $17 billion, exceeding expectations and highlighting the resilience of the U.S. economy despite the war in Iran. The immediate trigger for this performance was low unemployment and stable consumer spending, which allowed banks to capitalize on increased market volatility from Middle East tensions. Long-term implications suggest that the banking sector may continue to thrive amid geopolitical risks, while the U.S. economy remains robust despite external conflicts.
3 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
Snap Inc. lays off 1,000 employees to enhance AI efficiency
On April 15, 2026, Snap Inc. announced layoffs affecting about 1,000 employees, or 16% of its full-time workforce, as it increases reliance on artificial intelligence. This restructuring is driven by sustained financial challenges and pressure from activist investors advocating for cost reductions. The long-term implication is a strategic shift towards AI-driven operations, potentially setting a precedent for similar moves across the tech industry.
14 sourcesApr 16High
- Economy· MENA
IMF Lowers 2026 Global Growth Forecast to 3.1 Percent Due to US-Iran Conflict
On April 14, 2026, the International Monetary Fund downgraded its global growth forecast for 2026 to 3.1 percent, citing disruptions caused by the ongoing US-led war in Iran. The immediate trigger for this revision is the conflict's impact on oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, which has led to increased inflation risks and instability in energy markets. In the long term, this situation may prompt further economic contractions in the Middle East and increased demand for IMF assistance among affected nations.
15 sourcesApr 16High
- Economy· World
U.S. Treasury Secretary Projects GDP Growth Over 3.5 Percent Amid Global Economic Concerns
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has forecasted that the U.S. GDP growth could exceed 3.5 percent in 2026, despite recent global economic downturn projections. This optimistic outlook comes in response to strong microeconomic indicators from corporations, contrasting with the International Monetary Fund's downgraded global growth forecasts due to geopolitical tensions and energy market disruptions. The long-term implication suggests a potential shift in investor confidence and economic policy focus as the U.S. navigates through external pressures while maintaining growth momentum.
4 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· World
S&P 500 Reaches Record High Amid U.S.-Israel-Iran Conflict
On April 15, 2026, the S&P 500 index achieved a record closing high of 7,022.95, reflecting investor optimism despite ongoing geopolitical tensions. This surge was triggered by positive signals regarding potential peace talks and statements from President Trump suggesting the conflict may be nearing resolution. Long-term, this rebound indicates a resilience in the market that could influence investor confidence and economic forecasts amidst continued volatility in oil prices and regional instability.
29 sourcesApr 16Low
- Business· World
Allbirds pivots from sustainable footwear to AI compute infrastructure
On April 15, 2026, Allbirds, Inc. announced plans to pivot its business to artificial intelligence infrastructure after selling its footwear assets for $39 million. This shift is triggered by persistent financial losses and a surging demand for high-performance compute resources in the AI sector. The long-term implication is that Allbirds aims to rebrand as NewBird AI and position itself as a key player in the cloud and AI services market.
18 sourcesApr 16Very High
- Business· World
Live Nation Found Liable for Illegal Monopoly in U.S. Ticketing Market
A federal jury in New York has ruled that Live Nation Entertainment and Ticketmaster illegally monopolized the U.S. ticketing market for major concerts. This verdict follows a five-week trial prompted by long-standing allegations of anticompetitive practices, particularly highlighted by the 2022 Taylor Swift ticketing controversy. The ruling is expected to lead to significant structural changes in the ticketing industry, including potential remedies such as the divestiture of Ticketmaster.
25 sourcesApr 16High
- Economy· World
China's GDP Grows 5% in Q1 2026 Despite Iran War Disruptions
China's economy reported a 5% year-on-year GDP growth for the first quarter of 2026, surpassing forecasts amid geopolitical tensions. This growth is attributed to strong exports and proactive fiscal measures in response to the early impacts of the Iran war. Long-term, the ongoing conflict may temper growth expectations and influence China's economic policies moving forward.
8 sourcesApr 16Low
- Economy· World
Brent Crude Oil Prices Exceed $95 Amid US-Israel-Iran Conflict
Brent crude oil prices have surpassed $95 per barrel as the US-Israel-Iran war escalates, impacting global oil markets. The immediate cause of this surge is the disruption of key supply routes, particularly the Strait of Hormuz, amid faltering ceasefire negotiations. Long-term implications suggest continued volatility in oil prices as geopolitical tensions persist and analysts forecast prices to remain elevated through mid-2026.
2 sourcesApr 15Low
- Crypto· World
Tether Increases Bitcoin Reserves by $70 Million to Over 97,000 BTC
On April 15, 2026, Tether transferred 951 Bitcoin worth approximately $70 million from Bitfinex to its reserve wallet, raising its total holdings to 97,141 BTC. This transfer is part of Tether's ongoing strategy to allocate up to 15% of its net realized operating profits to Bitcoin purchases, enhancing the stability of its USDT stablecoin. The long-term implication is a strengthened reserve backing for USDT, potentially increasing institutional confidence in Tether's financial practices amid regulatory scrutiny.
5 sourcesApr 15Low
- Business· World
Allbirds rebrands as NewBird AI after selling footwear assets and pivoting to AI infrastructure
Allbirds Inc. has announced a strategic shift from sustainable footwear production to AI computing infrastructure, rebranding itself as NewBird AI. This pivot follows a significant asset sale to American Exchange Group and aims to address ongoing revenue declines by targeting the demand for high-performance AI compute resources. The long-term implication suggests a potential transformation of the company into a key player in the AI infrastructure market, despite skepticism regarding the adequacy of its funding and operational capabilities.
3 sourcesApr 15Very High