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
IEA Projects Historic Decline in Global Oil Demand Amid Strait of Hormuz Crisis
The International Energy Agency has forecasted a 1.5 million barrels per day decline in global oil demand for Q2 2026, marking the sharpest quarterly drop since the COVID-19 pandemic. This decline is triggered by severe supply disruptions due to the ongoing Iran war and restrictions in the Strait of Hormuz, which have drastically reduced oil flows. Long-term implications include potential OPEC+ output adjustments and increased global prices, with governments exploring demand-reduction measures to mitigate the impact.
13 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Business· World
Europe Risks Jet Fuel Shortages by June 2026 Amid Middle East Supply Disruptions
Europe could face physical jet fuel shortages by June 2026 if it only replaces 50 percent of its normal imports from the Middle East, as warned by the International Energy Agency. This situation arises due to the ongoing Iran war, which has severely disrupted oil product exports from the region. If current replacement levels do not improve, Europe may see stocks fall below the critical threshold, leading to significant operational challenges for the aviation sector.
3 sourcesApr 15Low
- Economy· World
EU Doubles Steel Tariffs and Cuts Quotas, Threatening UK Exports
The European Union has reached a political agreement to increase out-of-quota tariffs on steel imports to 50% and reduce duty-free quotas by 47%, effective July 2026. This decision is driven by the need to address global steel overcapacity, particularly from China, which has led to significant increases in EU steel imports. The long-term implication may involve reciprocal trade measures from the UK, further straining its steel export market and potentially escalating trade tensions.
4 sourcesApr 15Low
- Business· World
Hui Ka Yan of China Evergrande Group Pleads Guilty to Fraud Charges
Hui Ka Yan, founder of China Evergrande Group, pleaded guilty to multiple fraud charges in a Shenzhen court, marking a significant legal development in the company's ongoing crisis. This plea follows a series of financial mismanagement issues that have led to Evergrande's staggering $300 billion debt default since 2021, exacerbated by regulatory debt curbs. The long-term implications may include intensified scrutiny of China's real estate sector and potential reforms aimed at preventing similar corporate failures in the future.
6 sourcesApr 15High
- Business· World
Texas Attorney General Launches Investigation into Lululemon for PFAS Presence
On April 13, 2026, Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton initiated a civil investigation into Lululemon Athletica Inc. regarding potential PFAS contamination in its athletic apparel. This investigation has gained traction due to rising consumer concerns over health risks associated with PFAS, particularly in Lululemon's key market in China. The long-term implication may involve increased regulatory scrutiny on consumer products and potential shifts in brand trust among health-conscious consumers globally.
4 sourcesApr 15High
- Business· World
CMA Orders AA Driving School to Refund £760,000 to Learner Drivers for Drip Pricing Violations
The UK's Competition and Markets Authority has mandated Automobile Association Developments to refund over £760,000 to more than 80,000 learner drivers due to violations of consumer protection laws regarding drip pricing. This enforcement action follows the CMA's enhanced powers under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, which allows for direct refunds and penalties without court proceedings. The long-term implication is a likely increase in scrutiny and compliance requirements for businesses engaging in online pricing practices across various sectors.
3 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Economy· World
Oil Futures Drop Amid Renewed U.S.-Iran Peace Negotiation Hopes
Oil futures declined sharply on April 15, 2026, as markets reacted to renewed optimism for the resumption of U.S.-Iran peace talks following their recent collapse. The immediate trigger for this decline was President Trump's signals of potential diplomatic engagement, which eased fears of ongoing supply disruptions from the Strait of Hormuz. Long-term, this development may lead to stabilized oil prices and reduced geopolitical tensions in the region, impacting global energy markets.
10 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Business· World
Hollywood Professionals Oppose Paramount Skydance's $110.9 Billion Acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery
Over 1,000 Hollywood professionals signed an open letter opposing Paramount Skydance's proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery. This backlash is triggered by concerns over job losses, increased costs, and reduced competition in the industry as the shareholder vote approaches. The long-term implication may involve heightened scrutiny from regulatory bodies and potential changes in merger policies affecting the media landscape.
6 sourcesApr 15High
- Crypto· World
Justin Sun Accuses World Liberty Financial of Smart Contract Misconduct
Justin Sun has publicly accused World Liberty Financial of incorporating a backdoor in its smart contract that allows for the freezing of investor accounts. This accusation follows Sun's significant financial losses due to the alleged freezing of his wallet, which he claims occurred without notice. The ongoing feud may lead to increased scrutiny of cryptocurrency regulations and investor protections in the industry.
10 sourcesApr 15High
- Economy· World
UNDP Warns Military Escalation in Middle East Could Push 32.5 Million into Poverty
The United Nations Development Programme has released a policy brief indicating that ongoing military escalation in the Middle East could drive 32.5 million people into upper-middle-income poverty globally. This alarming projection is triggered by recent U.S.-Israeli airstrikes on Iran, which have disrupted oil and gas production, leading to surging energy and food prices. In the long term, the conflict is likely to exacerbate global economic instability, prompting calls for targeted financial interventions to mitigate poverty reversals.
8 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Business· World
United Airlines CEO proposes merger with American Airlines to Trump amid industry pressures
On February 25, 2026, United Airlines CEO Scott Kirby proposed a merger with American Airlines during a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. This proposal comes as U.S. airlines face rising jet fuel costs and increased competition from foreign carriers, particularly from the Gulf region. If pursued, the merger could reshape the U.S. aviation landscape but faces significant antitrust scrutiny that may hinder its realization.
10 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Business· World
Walt Disney Company announces layoffs of 1,000 positions across multiple divisions
The Walt Disney Company has initiated layoffs affecting approximately 1,000 positions, primarily in its television and movie studios, ESPN, and marketing divisions. This decision comes as part of a corporate restructuring effort led by CEO Josh D’Amaro, aimed at addressing declining linear television revenues and pressures on streaming profitability. In the long term, these layoffs may signal a shift towards a more agile workforce and further consolidation within the media industry as companies adapt to changing consumer behaviors and market dynamics.
6 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Business· World
U.S. Utilities Plan $1.4 Trillion Investment to Meet AI Data Center Electricity Needs
U.S. investor-owned utilities have announced a projected $1.4 trillion in capital expenditures from 2026 to 2030 to address the rising electricity demand from AI data centers. This surge in investment is driven by a 21% increase in electricity demand, primarily due to the rapid expansion of AI technologies and the need for grid resiliency. Long-term, these expenditures may lead to increased electricity rates for consumers, pending state regulatory approvals amidst ongoing scrutiny of utility practices.
3 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Drop Below $100 as U.S.-Iran Peace Talks Progress
Oil prices fell below $100 per barrel as major U.S. stock indices approached record highs amid ongoing U.S.-Iran peace negotiations. This shift follows a conditional ceasefire announced on April 8, which has eased concerns over potential disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The long-term implication suggests a stabilization in global energy markets, potentially impacting oil-dependent economies and investor strategies moving forward.
16 sourcesApr 15Low
- Economy· World
U.S. Treasury Secretary Bessent Supports Fed's Delay on Interest Rate Cuts Amid U.S.-Iran Conflict
On April 14, 2026, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent endorsed the Federal Reserve's potential decision to postpone interest rate cuts at its upcoming meeting. This stance is driven by the economic uncertainties stemming from the ongoing U.S.-Iran war, which has caused significant spikes in energy prices. In the long term, this cautious approach may lead to sustained higher borrowing costs and influence fiscal policies as the conflict evolves.
3 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Economy· World
IMF Lowers Global GDP Growth Forecast to 3.1% Due to U.S.-Iran Conflict
The International Monetary Fund has downgraded its global GDP growth forecast for 2026 to 3.1% amid ongoing disruptions caused by the U.S.-Iran war. This adjustment follows the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has halted 20% of global oil flows and led to rising energy prices. If the conflict persists, the IMF warns that growth could decline further, potentially leading to a recession in affected regions.
24 sourcesApr 15Moderate
- Business· World
OpenAI Investors Question $852 Billion Valuation Amid Shift to Enterprise AI
OpenAI investors have raised concerns regarding the company's $852 billion valuation as it pivots its focus towards enterprise AI markets. This scrutiny comes in light of competitive pressures from Anthropic and Google, coinciding with preparations for an initial public offering later in 2026. The long-term implication may involve a reevaluation of OpenAI's market position and potential adjustments to its IPO strategy in response to investor sentiment and competitive dynamics.
2 sourcesApr 14Low
- Business· UAE
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum Meets Brookfield CEO to Discuss Sustainable Investments in Dubai
On April 11, 2026, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum held a strategic meeting with Bruce Flatt, CEO of Brookfield Corporation, to explore enhanced cooperation on sustainable investments in Dubai. This meeting is prompted by Dubai's ongoing financial growth and its positioning as a global financial hub, attracting significant foreign direct investment. The long-term implication is likely to be an increase in sustainable investment opportunities, further solidifying Dubai's role as a leading financial center in the region and globally.
3 sourcesApr 14Low
- Business· UAE
Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange Lists New AI and Sharia-Compliant ETFs
On April 12, 2026, KraneShares announced the listing of two new exchange-traded funds (ETFs) on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange. This move is driven by a significant surge in demand for thematic investments in technology and Islamic finance, evidenced by a 183% year-on-year increase in ETF trading value. The long-term implication is the strengthening of Abu Dhabi's position as a regional hub for innovative financial products and increased integration of UAE capital markets.
3 sourcesApr 14Low
- Business· MENA
Saudi Arabia Railways Expands Logistics Network with Five New Routes
On April 10, 2026, Saudi Arabia Railways launched five new multi-modal logistics routes connecting Arabian Gulf ports to central and northern Saudi regions. This initiative is driven by the need to enhance supply chain efficiency and support Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030 amid changing international trade dynamics. The long-term implication is the positioning of Saudi Arabia as a key logistics hub in the region, potentially increasing competition for neighboring ports and enhancing regional trade efficiency.
4 sourcesApr 14Low