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- Economy· UAE
US Considers Currency Swap for UAE Amid Iran War Economic Fallout
On April 21, 2026, the United States announced it is considering a currency swap to provide financial support to the United Arab Emirates due to economic disruptions caused by the ongoing war in Iran. This consideration follows significant damage to UAE's oil and gas infrastructure and market instability resulting from the conflict. The long-term implication may involve increased US financial involvement in the Gulf region to stabilize energy markets and prevent further economic deterioration.
8 sourcesApr 24Low
- Business· World
Apple's Services Revenue Surges Under Tim Cook's Leadership
Apple has reported a significant increase in services revenue, reaching $30 billion in Q1 2026, marking a 14% year-over-year growth. This surge is attributed to Tim Cook's strategic shift towards a subscription-based model, enhancing the company's ecosystem ahead of his planned departure in September 2026. The long-term implication suggests that Apple will continue to focus on expanding its services and integrating AI technologies under new leadership to maintain its competitive edge in the market.
50 sourcesApr 24Low
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Exceed $100 per Barrel Amid US-Iran Negotiation Stalemate
Brent crude oil prices surged past $100 per barrel as of April 21, 2026, driven by investor anxiety over the stalled US-Iran peace talks and the impending expiration of a ceasefire. The postponement of U.S. Vice President JD Vance's trip to Pakistan for negotiations and ongoing tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have heightened concerns about oil supply disruptions. This situation is likely to lead to sustained volatility in global markets and increased fuel costs for consumers in the long term.
7 sourcesApr 24Moderate
- Business· World
Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Launches Review of Epstein Ties Amid Scrutiny
The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has initiated an external review of its historical ties to Jeffrey Epstein, publicly confirmed on April 21, 2026. This review was triggered by renewed scrutiny following the release of Epstein-related files by the U.S. Department of Justice, prompting internal reassessments of the foundation's engagement policies. Long-term, this could lead to significant changes in the foundation's governance and operational strategies, including potential staff reductions and policy reforms.
6 sourcesApr 24Moderate
- Economy· World
U.S. Stock Indices Reach Record Highs After Trump Extends Iran Cease-Fire Amid Tensions
On April 22, 2026, major U.S. stock indices achieved record highs following President Trump's indefinite extension of the cease-fire with Iran. This decision was prompted by escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iran seized two cargo ships, leading to increased oil prices. The long-term implication suggests ongoing volatility in global markets and potential further geopolitical tensions as Iran challenges the cease-fire's validity.
8 sourcesApr 24Low
- Business· World
Devin Nunes resigns as CEO of Trump Media amid stock collapse
Devin Nunes has stepped down as CEO of Trump Media & Technology Group following a significant decline in the company's stock value. This leadership change is occurring now due to the company's ongoing financial struggles, which have resulted in billions of dollars in losses for investors. The long-term implication may involve a strategic shift for Trump Media as it seeks to regain investor confidence and stabilize its stock performance.
4 sourcesApr 24Moderate
- Business· World
Trump Administration Negotiates $500 Million Loan to Prevent Spirit Airlines Liquidation
The Trump administration has entered advanced negotiations for a $500 million loan to rescue Spirit Airlines, which is facing imminent liquidation amid its second bankruptcy. This move is triggered by surging jet fuel prices linked to the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran, exacerbating the airline's financial distress. If successful, this federal aid could set a precedent for government intervention in struggling airlines, impacting the broader aviation industry and labor market.
18 sourcesApr 24High
- Crypto· World
Justin Sun Sues Trump-Backed World Liberty Financial for Fraud and Token Seizure
Justin Sun has filed a federal lawsuit against World Liberty Financial, alleging fraud and unlawful seizure of his governance tokens. The lawsuit comes after Sun resisted pressure from WLF to invest an additional $200 million in its stablecoin, leading to the freezing of his token holdings. This legal battle could have significant implications for the cryptocurrency industry, particularly regarding investor rights and regulatory scrutiny of crypto ventures linked to political figures.
18 sourcesApr 24Very High
- Business· World
Lufthansa Group Cancels 20,000 Short-Haul Flights Due to Jet Fuel Crisis Linked to Iran War
Lufthansa Group has announced the cancellation of 20,000 short-haul flights through October 2026 to conserve jet fuel amid soaring prices resulting from the ongoing Iran war. The immediate trigger for this decision is the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which has disrupted 41 percent of Europe's jet fuel imports and caused prices to double since late February. In the long term, this could lead to a significant restructuring of European aviation routes and increased demand for sustainable aviation fuels as airlines adapt to ongoing fuel supply challenges.
14 sourcesApr 24High
- Business· World
Tesla Reports Q1 2026 Earnings with 17% Profit Increase Amid AI Investments
Tesla's Q1 2026 earnings report reveals a GAAP net income of $477 million, marking a 17% increase from the previous year but falling short of late 2025 peaks. This financial performance is driven by a strategic pivot towards AI and robotics, despite facing challenges from softening EV demand and increased competition. Looking ahead, Tesla's significant capital expenditure plans signal a continued focus on AI infrastructure and autonomous technologies, potentially reshaping its market position in the automotive and tech sectors.
8 sourcesApr 24High
- Business· MENA
Warner Bros. Discovery Shareholders Approve $111 Billion Acquisition by Paramount Skydance
Warner Bros. Discovery shareholders have approved a $111 billion acquisition by Paramount Skydance, with 99% voting in favor during a virtual meeting. This approval comes amid a backdrop of intense bidding and financing from Gulf sovereign wealth funds, which has raised concerns about media consolidation and potential layoffs. The merger is expected to lead to significant cost synergies and will require regulatory approvals from various authorities before finalization.
17 sourcesApr 24High
- Business· World
Tesla's stock declines amid $25 billion AI investment concerns
Tesla's stock has fallen following investor apprehension regarding a substantial $25 billion investment in artificial intelligence and robotics. This decline comes despite the company reporting a surprising $1.44 billion in free cash flow, highlighting a disconnect between financial performance and investor sentiment. The long-term implications suggest that Tesla's ambitious AI strategy could reshape its market position, contingent on effective execution and financial management.
3 sourcesApr 24Moderate
- Business· World
Meta Platforms to Lay Off 10% of Workforce Amid Increased AI Investments
Meta Platforms has announced plans to lay off approximately 10% of its global workforce, impacting around 8,000 employees, as part of a strategy to enhance efficiency. This decision comes in response to the need to fund a significant increase in AI expenditures, which are projected to double to $135 billion in 2026. The long-term implication is a potential shift in the tech industry as companies reassess workforce structures to accommodate rising AI costs and competition.
26 sourcesApr 24High
- Economy· MENA
Saudi sukuk included in major global bond indices
Saudi Arabia's government sukuk have been added to the J.P. Morgan and Bloomberg Emerging Markets Government Bond Indices. This inclusion is part of the country's strategy to enhance its financial sector and attract foreign investment. The long-term implication is a likely increase in investor confidence and economic diversification for Saudi Arabia.
3 sourcesApr 23Low
- Business· World
Bob Iger joins Thrive Capital as adviser after leaving Disney
Bob Iger has been appointed as an adviser to Thrive Capital following his departure from Disney. This transition is occurring as Iger seeks to leverage his extensive experience in media and technology to enhance Thrive's investment strategies. In the long term, Iger's involvement is expected to significantly influence Thrive Capital's portfolio and investment opportunities in the media and technology sectors.
3 sourcesApr 23Low
- Economy· World
Oil futures rise for fourth consecutive session amid U.S.-Iran tensions
Crude oil prices have surged due to escalating tensions related to the U.S.-Iran conflict and disruptions in oil flow. The immediate trigger for this increase is the recent air attacks and a power struggle in Iran, which have heightened market volatility. Long-term implications suggest that if the situation does not stabilize, oil prices may continue to rise, impacting global markets significantly.
3 sourcesApr 23Low
- Business· World
Microsoft Initiates First Voluntary Buyout Program for U.S. Workforce
On April 23, 2026, Microsoft launched its inaugural voluntary buyout program aimed at reducing its U.S. workforce by up to 7 percent. This decision follows significant layoffs in previous years and is driven by the company's ongoing investments in AI infrastructure. The long-term implication suggests a continued trend of workforce optimization in the tech industry as companies adapt to new operational efficiencies.
6 sourcesApr 23High
- Business· World
Meta Platforms to Lay Off 10% of Workforce Amid Increased AI Investments
Meta Platforms announced plans to lay off approximately 10% of its global workforce, affecting around 8,000 employees, with the first wave starting on May 20, 2026. This decision is driven by the need to enhance operational efficiency and manage rising costs associated with a significant increase in AI investments. The long-term implication suggests a continued trend of workforce reductions across the tech sector as companies adapt to the financial pressures of AI infrastructure development.
18 sourcesApr 23High - Business· World
U.S. airlines raise fares and cut capacity in response to rising jet fuel prices
U.S. airlines are increasing ticket prices and reducing capacity due to a surge in jet fuel costs. This price hike is triggered by geopolitical tensions, particularly the ongoing Iran war, which has led to volatile fuel prices. In the long term, these adjustments may significantly impact traveler demand and airline profitability as the busy summer travel season approaches.
3 sourcesApr 23Moderate
- Crypto· World
U.S. Senate Banking Committee Advances CLARITY Act for Cryptocurrency Regulation
The U.S. Senate Banking Committee has advanced the CLARITY Act, a crucial piece of legislation aimed at establishing a regulatory framework for cryptocurrencies. This legislative action is driven by the urgent calls from over 100 crypto organizations advocating for clearer regulations amid ongoing market uncertainties. If passed, the CLARITY Act could significantly enhance market confidence and shape the future of cryptocurrency investment in the U.S.
4 sourcesApr 23Low