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
4340 stories- Business· World
Nike announces 1,400 job cuts to enhance efficiency amid sales decline
Nike has announced it will lay off approximately 1,400 employees, primarily in its technology sector, as part of a strategy to improve operational efficiency. This decision comes in response to a prolonged sales slump that has prompted the company to streamline its workforce. The long-term implication may involve further restructuring efforts as Nike seeks to regain market strength and adapt to changing consumer demands.
3 sourcesApr 24Moderate
- Business· World
ABF announces demerger of Primark from food business amid market concerns
Associated British Foods will separate its fashion chain Primark into a standalone company next year. This decision is driven by a significant drop in Primark's share price and concerns over consumer spending due to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. The long-term implication is that both Primark and ABF's food operations may better focus on their core markets and recover from recent challenges.
5 sourcesApr 24Low
- Economy· MENA
Closure of Strait of Hormuz Drives Oil Prices Above $105 Per Barrel
Oil prices have surged due to the continued closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The immediate trigger is the ongoing deadlock in negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, which exacerbates uncertainty in the oil market. Long-term implications suggest that the energy industry may need to adapt to alternative transport scenarios if the situation persists.
4 sourcesApr 24Moderate
- Economy· World
UK unemployment rate drops to 4.9% amid declining wage growth
The UK's unemployment rate has fallen to 4.9%, the lowest since last summer. This decline is occurring despite a significant drop in wage growth, raising concerns about potential job cuts linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Long-term, the labor market may face increased volatility and instability as external pressures continue to impact employment trends.
3 sourcesApr 24Low
- Economy· World
UK accelerates clean energy transition amid Middle East conflict
Britain has announced plans to decouple electricity costs from fluctuating gas prices in response to rising energy concerns due to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. This initiative is driven by the need to address potential energy supply shortages expected in Europe this summer. In the long term, this shift may influence broader European energy strategies and market dynamics as countries seek to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
3 sourcesApr 24Moderate
- Economy· World
France announces €6 billion budget freeze in response to Iran war impact
The French government has declared a freeze on approximately €6 billion in spending to address the financial repercussions of the ongoing war in Iran. This decision comes as Finance Minister Roland Lescure warns of significant economic fallout, prompting the government to adjust its growth and inflation forecasts. Long-term, these measures may lead to further fiscal policy adjustments as geopolitical tensions continue to affect European economies.
3 sourcesApr 24Low
- Business· World
Tim Cook announces resignation as Apple CEO effective September 2026
Tim Cook has announced his resignation as CEO of Apple, effective September 2026. This decision comes as Cook's 15-year tenure has been marked by a strong emphasis on user privacy, despite facing scrutiny over concessions to foreign governments. The transition in leadership may significantly influence Apple's future approach to privacy and international relations.
3 sourcesApr 24Low
- Economy· World
Karex Bhd to raise condom prices by up to 30% due to Iran war supply chain disruptions
Karex Bhd, the world's largest condom manufacturer, has announced a price increase of 20% to 30% in response to supply chain disruptions caused by the ongoing Iran war. The immediate trigger for this decision is the heightened demand and rising production costs resulting from increased freight costs and shipping delays. Long-term implications may include further price hikes in essential goods as manufacturers continue to face challenges from the Iran conflict.
5 sourcesApr 24Moderate
- Economy· World
European natural gas prices decline following U.S. cease-fire extension with Iran
European gas prices fell as the U.S. extended its cease-fire with Iran, easing immediate concerns over supply disruptions. This development is occurring now due to the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region and the market's reaction to the cease-fire. In the long term, traders will remain vigilant as the situation in Iran continues to influence gas prices and market stability.
5 sourcesApr 24Low
- Economy· World
UK Consumer Confidence Index Hits Lowest Level Since October 2023 Amid Iran War Price Pressures
The UK GfK Consumer Confidence Index has fallen to -25 in April 2026, marking its lowest point since October 2023. This decline is driven by escalating price pressures resulting from the ongoing US-Israeli-Iran war, which has disrupted global energy markets and supply chains. As businesses brace for further cost increases, the Bank of England is expected to reassess interest rates in response to these inflationary pressures.
11 sourcesApr 24Low
- Business· World
Seoul Police Request Arrest Warrant for HYBE Chairman Bang Si-hyuk Over Alleged Investor Fraud
On April 21, 2026, the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency requested prosecutors to seek an arrest warrant for Bang Si-hyuk, chairman of HYBE, on charges of fraudulent trading linked to the company's 2020 IPO. This request follows a lengthy investigation into allegations that Bang misled investors about HYBE's listing plans, resulting in illicit gains of approximately 200 billion KRW. The case raises significant concerns about governance in the K-pop industry and may lead to increased regulatory scrutiny and reforms.
7 sourcesApr 24High
- Economy· World
Iran's economy faces crisis with two million job losses amid US-Iran conflict
Iran's economy is experiencing a severe crisis characterized by the loss of approximately two million jobs and skyrocketing inflation. This economic downturn is triggered by the ongoing US-Iran war, which has intensified in recent days. If the conflict persists, Iran's economic situation is likely to deteriorate further, impacting global energy markets and stability.
5 sourcesApr 24Moderate
- Business· World
Tesla reports better-than-expected earnings and shifts focus to AI and robotics
Tesla's earnings report has exceeded Wall Street expectations, resulting in a significant rise in its stock price. The company is currently pivoting towards artificial intelligence and robotics, alongside expanding its robotaxi service in major U.S. cities. This strategic shift is likely to enhance Tesla's competitive edge in the automotive industry and drive future growth in market share and profitability.
4 sourcesApr 24High
- Economy· World
EU Unveils Comprehensive Energy Crisis Mitigation Plan Amid Iran War
The European Union has announced a comprehensive plan to address the energy crisis exacerbated by the ongoing war with Iran. This initiative includes cutting electricity taxes, relaxing state aid rules, and promoting renewable energy investments to shield households and businesses from rising energy costs. The long-term implication is a strategic shift towards a cleaner economy while managing immediate energy supply challenges and geopolitical tensions.
3 sourcesApr 24Low
- Economy· World
Global Billionaire Population Projected to Reach Nearly 4,000 by 2031
The number of billionaires worldwide is expected to increase by 25% over the next five years, potentially reaching 3,915 by 2031. This surge is driven by rapid wealth accumulation linked to advancements in artificial intelligence. The trend raises concerns about widening economic disparities and the need for discussions on wealth distribution and policy reforms.
3 sourcesApr 24Low
- Business· World
Samsung workers in South Korea demand profit-sharing amid AI boom
Thousands of Samsung Electronics workers rallied at the company's chip plant in Pyeongtaek, South Korea, demanding a larger share of profits from the AI boom. The immediate trigger for the protest is the workers' dissatisfaction with current bonus structures linked to AI advancements, leading to threats of an 18-day strike next month if their demands are not met. This labor unrest could disrupt Samsung's operations and exacerbate existing supply chain issues in the memory chip market.
4 sourcesApr 24High
- Economy· World
UK government borrowing decreases by £700 million amid Iran conflict concerns
The UK government reported a borrowing figure of £132 billion for the financial year, which is £700 million below its target. This decrease is occurring as analysts express concerns that the ongoing conflict in Iran could undermine future fiscal stability and consumer confidence. Long-term implications suggest that the UK may face increased economic challenges and potential borrowing needs as geopolitical tensions escalate.
4 sourcesApr 24Moderate
- Business· World
Airlines cancel flights and raise fares amid jet fuel crisis driven by geopolitical tensions
Major airlines are canceling flights and increasing ticket prices due to a significant shortage of jet fuel. This crisis is triggered by rising fuel prices exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, particularly the conflict involving the US and Israel in Iran. Long-term, travelers should prepare for ongoing disruptions and higher costs as the aviation industry adjusts to these challenges ahead of the summer travel season.
3 sourcesApr 24Moderate
- Business· World
Airlines in North America raise fares amid rising jet fuel prices linked to Iran conflict
Airlines in the U.S. and Canada are increasing fares and baggage fees due to a significant rise in jet fuel prices caused by the ongoing conflict in Iran. This surge in fuel costs is occurring as the summer travel season approaches, prompting airlines to adjust their capacity and pricing strategies. The long-term implication is a potential shift in travel patterns and further fare increases as geopolitical tensions continue to affect fuel supply stability.
4 sourcesApr 24Moderate
- Economy· World
Trump Advocates for Immediate Interest Rate Cuts from Fed Nominee Warsh Amid Low Market Confidence
On April 22, 2026, President Donald Trump publicly urged Federal Reserve chair nominee Kevin Warsh to implement immediate interest rate cuts. This push comes as Warsh's Senate confirmation process unfolds, with market skepticism reflected in near-zero odds for a rate cut amid ongoing inflation concerns exacerbated by the US-Iran conflict. The long-term implication may involve increased pressure on the Federal Reserve to adopt a more accommodative monetary policy despite inflationary risks, impacting economic stability and growth strategies.
6 sourcesApr 24Low