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
8370 stories- Economy· World
US and China Announce Tariff Reductions on $60 Billion in Non-Sensitive Goods
On September 28, 2026, the United States and China agreed to reciprocal tariff cuts on approximately $60 billion worth of non-sensitive goods. This agreement follows the recent summit between President Trump and President Xi, aimed at stabilizing economic relations amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. The long-term implication is a potential thawing of trade relations, which could lead to further negotiations and agreements in the future.
3 sources3d agoLow
- Economy· World
Geopolitical tensions over Strait of Hormuz lead to market volatility and rising oil prices
On September 28, 2026, global equity markets experienced declines as U.S. Treasury yields surged and oil prices fluctuated amid ongoing U.S.-Iran conflict and diplomatic stalemate over the Strait of Hormuz. The immediate trigger for this market reaction was President Trump's rejection of an Iranian proposal to reopen the strait, which has been effectively closed since the conflict began in February 2026. Long-term implications suggest that continued geopolitical instability will likely exacerbate inflationary pressures and lead to further interest rate hikes by central banks to stabilize the economy.
3 sources3d agoModerate
- Economy· MENA
Gulf oil exports recover to 94% of normal levels through Hormuz Shuttle model
Gulf oil exports have rebounded to approximately 94% of normal levels as of late September 2026. This recovery is attributed to the implementation of the 'Hormuz Shuttle' model for ship-to-ship transfers initiated by ADNOC and adopted by other regional producers in response to previous disruptions caused by the US-Iran conflict. The long-term implication is a potential stabilization of global oil prices, although operational costs remain elevated, impacting regional economic dynamics.
3 sources3d agoLow
- Economy· MENA
Oil Prices Surge Past 107 Dollars Amid Geopolitical Tensions in Middle East
Oil prices exceeded 107 dollars per barrel on September 28, 2026, driven by geopolitical risk premiums following the U.S. rejection of an Iranian proposal to resolve tensions. This price increase occurred despite improved crude export flows from major Middle Eastern producers, indicating heightened market sensitivity to regional instability. The long-term implication suggests ongoing inflationary pressures on global energy costs as markets remain vigilant to further developments in U.S.-Iran negotiations and maritime security.
4 sources3d agoModerate
- Business· MENA
Saudi Authority Extends Truck Age Exemption Until March 2027
The Saudi General Authority for Transport has announced a six-month extension of the operational age exemption for heavy goods trucks, allowing them to operate up to 22 years from the date of manufacture. This decision is driven by the need to enhance fleet utilization efficiency and provide transport companies with greater flexibility amid ongoing economic demands. Long-term, this extension may lead to increased operational readiness and sustainability within the transport sector in Saudi Arabia.
3 sources3d agoLow
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia's Unemployment Rate Drops to 3 Percent in Q2 2026
The overall unemployment rate in Saudi Arabia has decreased to 3 percent in the second quarter of 2026. This decline is attributed to ongoing labor market reforms under Vision 2030, which aim to diversify the economy and enhance workforce participation. The long-term implication suggests a continued focus on job localization and economic diversification, potentially stabilizing the labor market further in the coming years.
3 sources3d agoLow
- Business· UAE
flydubai Suspends Flights to Israel After Cockpit Incident
flydubai has temporarily suspended all flights to and from Israel following a cockpit incident on September 30, 2026. The decision was made in coordination with relevant authorities to facilitate ongoing investigations into the emergency diversion of flight FZ1073 to Tabuk Airport in Saudi Arabia. This suspension may lead to long-term impacts on regional air travel and safety protocols as investigations unfold and security measures are reassessed.
3 sources3d agoLow
- Crypto· World
Michael Saylor Promotes Collaboration Between Strategy and Strive in Bitcoin Credit Market
On September 30, 2026, Michael Saylor announced that Strategy and Strive can collaboratively expand the Bitcoin-backed credit market. This initiative is driven by the companies' shared foundation in Bitcoin and the potential to attract significant investment from traditional capital markets. The long-term implication suggests a shift towards a multi-trillion-dollar asset class in Digital Credit, enhancing market stability and investor confidence.
3 sources3d agoModerate
- Crypto· World
ESMA Proposes Enhanced Enforcement Powers in MiCA Review
On September 30, 2026, the European Securities and Markets Authority (ESMA) requested expanded supervisory and enforcement powers in its response to the European Commission's MiCA review. This push is driven by the need to address delays in current enforcement procedures that allow financial crimes to go unchecked. If adopted, these recommendations could significantly strengthen investor protection and reshape the regulatory landscape for crypto-assets in the EU.
3 sources3d agoLow
- Crypto· World
Bitcoin Bull Score Hits 90 Despite 170,000 BTC Demand Contraction
On September 30, 2026, Bitcoin's Bull Score reached 90 out of 100, indicating a strong bullish phase despite a reported contraction of 170,000 BTC in apparent spot demand over the previous month. This divergence is attributed to profit-taking among holders and reduced futures speculation, coinciding with significant ETF inflows of $2.39 billion. The long-term implication suggests that renewed spot buying is necessary to sustain price gains and avoid further cooling in the market.
3 sources3d agoLow
- Crypto· World
Open USD Launches Shared Ownership Stablecoin Model
Open USD has officially launched a shared ownership stablecoin model on September 30, 2026, across multiple blockchains. This initiative is driven by significant liquidity commitments exceeding $1 billion from major partners like Coinbase and Mastercard, aiming to disrupt the existing stablecoin market. The long-term implication is a potential shift in how stablecoins operate, focusing on shared economics and utility rather than traditional issuer-retained earnings structures.
3 sources3d agoModerate
- Crypto· World
Bitget Reports 131% Reserve Ratio Following $387.5 Million Security Breach
Bitget released its 47th Proof of Reserves report on September 29, 2026, showing a 131% overall reserve ratio after a significant security incident. The immediate trigger for this disclosure was a $387.5 million unauthorized transfer from its hot and warm wallets just five days prior, prompting the exchange to reassure users of its asset backing. In the long term, this incident may lead to increased scrutiny and regulatory measures across the cryptocurrency industry as exchanges strive for greater transparency and security measures.
5 sources3d agoModerate
- Economy· World
Gold Prices Experience Sharp Decline Amid Rising Oil and Interest Rate Expectations
On September 28, 2026, gold futures prices fell more than 4% to their lowest level since early August. This decline was triggered by rising oil prices, expectations of further U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate hikes, and a stronger U.S. dollar. The long-term implication suggests continued volatility in the gold market as investors adjust to shifting monetary policies and geopolitical tensions affecting energy markets.
3 sources4d agoModerate
- Crypto· World
Zano Blockchain Executes Emergency Rollback to Address Gateway Address Vulnerability
On September 27, 2026, the Zano blockchain executed a coordinated rollback to block 3,833,000 to address a vulnerability that allowed unauthorized issuance of tokens. This action was triggered by the discovery of a flaw in the Gateway Address feature introduced in Hard Fork 6, which compromised the integrity of the token supply. The long-term implication is a renewed focus on security protocols within the blockchain community, as Zano plans to implement a reimbursement process for affected users and enhance its system against future exploits.
3 sources4d agoLow
- Crypto· World
Ethereum Proposes Shift to Cryptographic Proofs for Execution Verification
On September 27, 2026, Vitalik Buterin published an essay outlining Ethereum's transition to a system utilizing cryptographic proofs for execution verification. This change is prompted by the need to enhance scalability and reduce computational burdens following the recent PeerDAS upgrade. In the long term, this shift could redefine blockchain architecture and improve efficiency across decentralized networks.
3 sources4d agoModerate
- Crypto· World
Bitget Resumes Bitcoin Withdrawals After $387.5 Million Security Breach
Bitget has resumed Bitcoin withdrawals as of September 28, 2026, following a significant security breach that occurred on September 24, compromising $387.5 million in assets. The immediate trigger for the resumption was the completion of initial security checks and the phased restoration of services after unauthorized access to its wallet infrastructure was contained. Long-term, this incident may prompt increased scrutiny and regulatory measures within the cryptocurrency exchange sector to enhance security protocols.
3 sources4d agoHigh
- Economy· MENA
Oil Prices Surge Following U.S. Rejection of Iran's Peace Proposal on Hormuz Access
Oil prices increased on September 28, 2026, after U.S. President Donald Trump dismissed Iran's latest peace proposal regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The stalemate arises from ongoing tensions and the failure to reach an agreement on sanctions relief in exchange for reopening the critical shipping route. This development is likely to sustain volatility in oil markets and could prompt further diplomatic efforts or military posturing in the region.
3 sources4d agoLow
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Rise Amid Stalled U.S.-Iran Ceasefire Negotiations
Oil prices increased on September 29-30, 2026, due to deadlocked ceasefire negotiations between the U.S. and Iran regarding the Strait of Hormuz. The immediate trigger was Iran's proposal for asset unfreezing and sanctions relief, which the U.S. rejected, maintaining geopolitical tensions. Long-term, this impasse is likely to sustain elevated oil prices and continued volatility in energy markets as supply risks remain high.
3 sources4d agoHigh
- Economy· World
Gold Prices Fall to 4,274 USD per Ounce Due to US Rate Hikes and Strong Dollar
Gold prices declined to approximately 4,274 USD per ounce on September 27, 2026, marking a significant retreat amid rising US Treasury yields and expectations of tighter monetary policy. This decline is triggered by recent Federal Reserve signals indicating sustained higher interest rates, which increase the opportunity cost of holding non-yielding assets like gold. In the long term, continued pressure on gold prices may lead investors to shift towards yield-bearing assets, impacting the commodities market significantly.
3 sources4d agoModerate
- Economy· MENA
Saudi Arabia Restores East-West Pipeline Flows Amid Geopolitical Tensions
Saudi Arabia has resumed partial operations of the East-West pipeline, allowing 3.5–4 million barrels per day to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. This restoration follows prior drone attacks that had disrupted oil exports, prompting immediate market reactions and volatility in global oil prices. The long-term implication suggests ongoing geopolitical risks will continue to influence oil pricing and supply strategies in the region.
3 sources4d agoLow