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· MENA
Saudi Railways Company Expands Logistics Network with Five New Routes
On April 10, 2026, the Saudi Railways Company launched five new multi-modal logistics routes to enhance international trade flows. This initiative is driven by the need to improve supply chain efficiency and support the National Transport and Logistics Strategy amid global supply chain disruptions. The long-term implication is that Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a key logistics hub, potentially increasing its influence in regional trade dynamics.
3 sourcesApr 12Low
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia's Industrial Production Index Achieves Record 8.9% Growth in February 2026
Saudi Arabia's Industrial Production Index increased by 8.9% year-over-year in February 2026, reaching a record high. This surge is attributed to significant growth in mining and oil activities, alongside ongoing diversification efforts under Vision 2030. The long-term implication suggests a strengthened industrial sector that may enhance regional trade dynamics within the GCC, particularly with the UAE.
4 sourcesApr 12Low
- Crypto· World
Japan's Cabinet Approves Regulatory Reform for Cryptocurrencies as Financial Products
On April 10, 2026, Japan's Cabinet approved a draft amendment to reclassify cryptocurrencies as financial products under the Financial Instruments and Exchange Act. This reform is driven by the need to enhance market transparency and investor protection amid ongoing regulatory gaps and fraud concerns. Long-term, this shift is expected to attract institutional participation in the cryptocurrency market, potentially reshaping its structure in Japan.
3 sourcesApr 12Moderate
- Crypto· World
WLFI Token Plummets to Record Low Amid $75 Million Loan Scrutiny
The WLFI token associated with World Liberty Financial dropped to a record low of $0.077 following revelations of a $75 million self-collateralized loan on the Dolomite DeFi platform. This decline was triggered by concerns over liquidity risks and potential liquidations after significant amounts of borrowed funds were moved to Coinbase Prime. In the long term, the situation may lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory pressures on DeFi protocols and their lending practices.
4 sourcesApr 12High
- Crypto· World
Bitwise Asset Management Amends Hyperliquid ETF Registration Ahead of Potential Launch
Bitwise Asset Management filed a second amendment to its Form S-1 registration for the Bitwise Hyperliquid ETF on April 10, 2026. This amendment, which includes the confirmation of the BHYP ticker and a management fee of 0.67%, is seen as a signal of an imminent launch as the market anticipates increased competition for U.S. spot exposure to the HYPE token. The long-term implication is that successful approval could position Bitwise as a leader in the rapidly evolving altcoin ETF market, further intensifying competition among asset managers.
4 sourcesApr 12Moderate
- Crypto· World
Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong Endorses CLARITY Act Following Treasury Secretary's Call for Crypto Regulation
On April 10, 2026, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong publicly endorsed the Digital Asset Market Clarity Act, urging Congress to pass the bipartisan legislation. This development follows U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's op-ed on April 9, 2026, advocating for swift Senate action on federal rules for digital assets. The endorsement signals a potential shift in regulatory clarity for the crypto industry, likely influencing future legislative efforts and market dynamics in the U.S.
3 sourcesApr 12High
- Economy· World
Bank of Korea Maintains Interest Rate Amid Middle East Conflict
The Bank of Korea decided to keep its benchmark interest rate at 2.50% on April 10, 2026, due to heightened economic uncertainty stemming from the ongoing Middle East war. This decision was triggered by significant disruptions in energy supply and soaring oil prices, which have adversely affected South Korea's economic outlook. Long-term, the situation may lead to sustained interest rates throughout 2026, with potential adjustments depending on geopolitical developments and inflationary pressures.
3 sourcesApr 12Low
- Economy· World
Iran Implements Cryptocurrency Tolls for Oil Tankers in Strait of Hormuz
On April 8, 2026, Iran mandated that oil tankers transiting the Strait of Hormuz pay tolls in cryptocurrency. This policy is a strategic move to evade U.S. sanctions amid a two-week ceasefire following regional conflict. The long-term implication is a potential shift in global oil trade dynamics as Iran leverages digital currencies to fund operations and maintain shipping routes.
4 sourcesApr 12High
- Economy· World
U.S. Stocks Fluctuate Amid U.S.-Iran Cease-Fire Talks in Islamabad
U.S. stocks experienced fluctuations on April 10, 2026, as investors awaited the outcomes of U.S.-Iran peace talks in Islamabad following a fragile cease-fire. The immediate cause of this market uncertainty stems from rising energy prices and inflation, which have reached a two-year high, impacting consumer sentiment. Long-term implications suggest that the outcome of these negotiations could significantly influence global oil markets and economic stability in the region.
3 sourcesApr 12Low
- Business· World
Western Pharmaceutical Firms Engage in Record Licensing Deals with Chinese Biotechs
In the past 48 hours, major Western pharmaceutical companies have secured 70 licensing agreements with Chinese biotechs, totaling nearly $5.6 billion in upfront payments. This surge in transactions is driven by China's rapid advancements in innovative drug development, which pose a competitive threat to Western dominance in the pharmaceutical industry. As these partnerships continue to evolve, we can expect accelerated clinical trials and a shift in the global pharmaceutical landscape towards increased reliance on Chinese innovations.
3 sourcesApr 12Low
- Economy· World
Record ₹1.14 Lakh Crore Outflow by Foreign Portfolio Investors from Indian Equities Amid Middle East Tensions
Foreign portfolio investors executed a record outflow of ₹1.14 lakh crore from Indian equities in March 2026. This unprecedented selling was triggered by escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, particularly the US-Iran war, and concerns over India's economic growth. The long-term implication is a potential shift in investor confidence and capital allocation away from emerging markets like India towards more stable developed markets.
3 sourcesApr 12Low
- Business· World
ACI Europe Issues Warning of Jet Fuel Shortage in EU Due to Strait of Hormuz Restrictions
Airports Council International (ACI) Europe has warned of a potential systemic jet fuel shortage across the European Union within three weeks if restrictions on the Strait of Hormuz continue. The warning comes as the Gulf region supplies approximately 50% of Europe's aviation fuel imports, which are currently at risk due to ongoing geopolitical tensions. This situation may lead to significant disruptions in air travel and economic impacts as summer travel peaks approach.
4 sourcesApr 12Moderate
- Business· World
Airports Council International Europe Warns of Jet Fuel Shortages Amid Strait of Hormuz Closure
Airports Council International Europe has issued a warning about potential jet fuel shortages in European airports due to the ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz. This situation is triggered by the effective blockade of maritime traffic resulting from the US-Iran conflict, which has persisted despite a recent ceasefire. If the strait remains closed for more than three weeks, European air travel and economies could face significant disruptions ahead of the summer travel peak.
3 sourcesApr 12High
- Economy· World
U.S. Inflation Rises to 3.3 Percent Amid Iran War Energy Crisis
U.S. inflation surged to 3.3 percent annually in March 2026, driven by a 10.9 percent rise in energy prices amid the U.S.-Israel war with Iran that disrupted global oil supplies. The immediate trigger for this inflation spike is the closure of the Strait of Hormuz by Iran, which has led to a significant increase in gasoline prices, the largest on record. Long-term implications include potential delays in Federal Reserve rate cuts as they monitor inflation risks and consumer sentiment declines.
9 sourcesApr 12High
- Economy· World
Record $18.84 Billion Outflow from Indian Equities Amid US-Iran War and Economic Concerns
Global funds withdrew a record $18.84 billion from Indian equities in the first quarter of 2026, marking the largest outflow ever recorded. This unprecedented exodus was triggered by energy shocks from the ongoing US-Iran war, which raised concerns about India's economic growth and led to a significant depreciation of the rupee. In the long term, the continued foreign portfolio investment outflows may prompt Indian authorities to implement more aggressive economic policies to stabilize the market and restore investor confidence.
2 sourcesApr 11Low
- Economy· World
U.S. Fuel Prices Surge Amid Ongoing Iran War and Supply Disruptions
U.S. gasoline prices have surged to $4.16 per gallon due to the ongoing Iran War, which began on February 28, 2026. This spike is triggered by severe disruptions in oil supply following the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and damage to refining capacity. Long-term implications include potential economic downturns and inflationary pressures as global growth is forecasted to decline by 0.3-0.4 percentage points.
2 sourcesApr 11Low
- Business· UAE
Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed and Brookfield CEO Discuss Sustainable Investment Strategies in Dubai
On April 11, 2026, Sheikh Maktoum bin Mohammed met with Bruce Flatt, CEO of Brookfield Asset Management, to discuss enhancing Dubai's appeal for sustainable investments. This meeting is part of Dubai's broader strategy to attract foreign direct investment and bolster its economic growth, following its recent rise to 7th in the Global Financial Centres Index. The long-term implication is that such partnerships may further solidify Dubai's position as a leading global investment hub, fostering economic resilience and innovation.
3 sourcesApr 11Low
- Business· World
ACI Europe Warns of Jet Fuel Shortage Due to Hormuz Blockade
Airports Council International Europe has issued a warning about a potential systemic jet fuel shortage across European airports within three weeks if the Strait of Hormuz blockade continues. This situation arises from the ongoing blockade by Iran, which has disrupted over 40% of Europe's jet fuel imports, coinciding with the peak summer travel season. The long-term implication may involve significant flight cancellations and economic impacts on the aviation sector, prompting calls for collective purchasing strategies from the EU.
2 sourcesApr 11Moderate
- Business· World
ICE Expands European Gas and Power Trading Hours to 21 Daily Amid LNG Market Pressures
The Intercontinental Exchange has announced an extension of trading hours for European gas and power futures to 21 hours daily, effective April 13, 2026. This decision is driven by increasing vulnerabilities in the LNG market due to geopolitical tensions and rising demand from Asia. The long-term implication is a shift in European energy trading dynamics, positioning it as a global macro asset and enhancing market responsiveness to international events.
2 sourcesApr 11Low
- Economy· World
US Department of Energy Loans 8.48 Million Barrels from Strategic Petroleum Reserve Amid Iran War
On April 10, 2026, the United States Department of Energy awarded contracts to loan 8.48 million barrels of crude oil from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve to four companies due to supply disruptions caused by the ongoing Iran war. This action is part of a larger 172 million barrel exchange program aimed at stabilizing global fuel prices following Iran's closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The long-term implication is a continued reliance on emergency oil releases to manage market volatility as geopolitical tensions persist in the region.
2 sourcesApr 11Low