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
4344 stories- Economy· World
UK economy faces potential recession amid Iran war impact
The UK economy is projected to flirt with recession as job losses are anticipated due to the economic fallout from the ongoing Iran war. This situation is triggered by an oil price shock that has severely impacted business confidence and led to increased job cuts. Long-term implications include a rise in unemployment and a significant reduction in GDP growth, necessitating urgent measures to stabilize the economy.
4 sourcesApr 23Low
- Business· World
ABF announces demerger of Primark from food operations to enhance shareholder value
Associated British Foods has decided to separate its budget fashion retailer Primark from its food operations, marking a significant shift in its corporate structure. This decision comes as Primark faces a decline in share price and amid concerns about consumer spending due to geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. The long-term implication is that both Primark and ABF's food division may operate more effectively and focus on their core markets independently.
5 sourcesApr 23Moderate
- Economy· World
UK unemployment rate drops to 4.9% amid Middle East conflict concerns
The UK's unemployment rate has fallen to 4.9%, the lowest since last summer. This unexpected decline comes despite warnings of potential job losses linked to the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. The long-term implication suggests that while current employment figures appear positive, geopolitical tensions may threaten job security and wage growth in the future.
3 sourcesApr 23Moderate
- Economy· World
Canada announces new advisory council to diversify trade away from U.S.
Prime Minister Mark Carney has announced the formation of a new advisory council aimed at enhancing Canada-U.S. trade relations while reducing economic reliance on the United States. This strategic shift is prompted by perceived vulnerabilities in Canada's economy and the need for diversification in trade partnerships. The long-term implication is that Canada may secure new trade agreements with non-U.S. countries, strengthening its economic resilience.
3 sourcesApr 23Moderate
- Economy· World
France announces €6 billion budget impact from Iran war prompting spending freeze
The French government has revealed a budget impact of up to €6 billion due to the ongoing war in Iran, leading to a freeze in certain expenditures. This decision is driven by the need to manage the budget deficit while providing support to affected businesses and households. In the long term, France may need to adjust its fiscal policies further depending on the evolving situation in Iran and its economic repercussions.
3 sourcesApr 23Moderate
- 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 coupled with rising production costs and shipping delays affecting stock levels. Long-term, this situation may lead to increased prices across various consumer goods, reflecting broader economic challenges linked to geopolitical tensions.
5 sourcesApr 23Very High
- Economy· World
UK Consumer Price Inflation Hits 3.3% Amid Iran War Fuel Price Surge
UK annual consumer price inflation rose to 3.3% in March 2026, driven by an 8.7% increase in motor fuel prices linked to the ongoing US-Israel war against Iran. This inflationary spike is occurring as the conflict disrupts Middle Eastern energy supplies, leading to higher global oil prices. Long-term, the UK economy may face further inflationary pressures and potential growth deceleration as the war continues to impact energy costs and consumer prices.
12 sourcesApr 23High
- Economy· World
European natural gas prices decline as U.S.-Iran cease-fire extends
European natural gas prices fell while U.S. gas prices rose in response to the U.S.-Iran cease-fire extension. The cease-fire extension has led to reduced fears of conflict escalation in the region. As the situation in Iran develops, energy markets will remain sensitive to geopolitical changes, with potential volatility in pricing as traders respond to new information.
4 sourcesApr 23Low
- 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 a court-issued arrest warrant for Bang Si-hyuk, chairman of HYBE Corporation, over allegations of defrauding investors of approximately $136 million. This request follows a lengthy investigation triggered by a tip-off in late 2024 regarding misleading statements made by Bang prior to the company's 2020 IPO. The long-term implications may include increased scrutiny of corporate governance practices in South Korea's entertainment industry and potential impacts on HYBE's market position and stock performance.
6 sourcesApr 23High
- Economy· World
Iran faces economic crisis with two million job losses amid US-Israel conflict
Iran is experiencing significant job losses and economic turmoil due to the war with the US and Israel. The immediate causality stems from crippling sanctions and escalating hostilities that have led to mass layoffs across various sectors. Long-term implications suggest that if the conflict continues, Iran's economic stability will further deteriorate, potentially impacting global markets as well.
5 sourcesApr 23Low
- Business· World
Jet fuel shortages from Iran conflict disrupt airlines in Europe and the U.S.
Airlines in Europe and the United States are canceling flights and raising fares due to significant jet fuel shortages linked to the ongoing conflict in Iran. This crisis is occurring now as the war has severely impacted global fuel supply chains, leading to a 30% spike in prices. Long-term, the aviation industry may face continued operational challenges and further disruptions as the situation evolves, affecting summer travel plans for many passengers.
4 sourcesApr 23High
- Crypto· World
Justin Sun Files Lawsuit Against Trump-Backed World Liberty Financial for Alleged Fraud
On April 21, 2026, cryptocurrency entrepreneur Justin Sun filed a federal lawsuit against World Liberty Financial, alleging fraud and unlawful freezing of his WLFI tokens. This legal action follows claims that World Liberty added a blacklisting function to its smart contract, freezing Sun's holdings valued at up to $1 billion amid financial strains. The outcome of this lawsuit could significantly impact investor confidence in decentralized finance projects and the governance rights of token holders.
14 sourcesApr 23Very High
- Economy· World
EU Implements Measures to Address Energy Crisis Amid Iran War
The European Union has announced plans to cut electricity taxes and support renewable energy investments in response to the energy crisis triggered by the ongoing war with Iran. This initiative comes as the EU faces an additional €24 billion in energy import costs due to the conflict, necessitating immediate action. Long-term, these measures are expected to reshape the energy landscape in Europe, promoting a transition away from fossil fuels while addressing supply stability challenges.
3 sourcesApr 23Low
- Economy· UAE
U.S. Treasury Secretary Endorses Currency Swap Line for UAE Amid Iran War Fallout
On April 22, 2026, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent endorsed providing a currency swap line to the UAE to address dollar liquidity strains from disruptions caused by the ongoing war in Iran. This endorsement follows high-level discussions and the UAE's concerns over potential dollar shortages due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Long-term, this move may stabilize UAE's economy and strengthen U.S.-UAE financial ties amidst regional tensions.
6 sourcesApr 23Low
- Business· World
Polymarket Negotiates $400 Million Funding at $15 Billion Valuation
Polymarket has initiated advanced negotiations to secure approximately $400 million in funding at a post-money valuation of $15 billion. This move comes as the platform experiences record trading volumes, exceeding $10 billion in March 2026, driven by heightened interest in event-based trading. If successful, this funding round could significantly enhance Polymarket's liquidity and market position, potentially expanding to $1 billion with new strategic investors involved.
6 sourcesApr 23Low
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Fall as US-Iran Peace Talks Expected to Proceed Amid Tensions
On April 21, 2026, Brent and West Texas Intermediate crude oil prices declined over 1% due to expectations that US-Iran peace talks in Pakistan would move forward. This shift follows heightened tensions from Iran's re-closure of the Strait of Hormuz and a US seizure of an Iranian cargo ship, prompting investor optimism for a resolution. Long-term, if negotiations succeed, oil supply constraints may ease, stabilizing prices in the volatile market.
11 sourcesApr 23Low
- Business· World
California files lawsuit against Amazon for alleged price-fixing practices
California's attorney general has initiated a lawsuit against Amazon, accusing the company of coercing brands to inflate prices on rival retailers' platforms. This legal action is a response to ongoing antitrust investigations into Amazon's market behavior, highlighting concerns over its influence on pricing strategies. The outcome of the trial, scheduled for 2027, could significantly alter the dynamics of e-commerce and retailer relationships.
5 sourcesApr 23High
- Economy· World
Kevin Warsh Calls for Overhaul at Federal Reserve During Senate Hearing
Kevin Warsh advocated for a significant change in the Federal Reserve's approach during his confirmation hearing on April 21, 2026. This push for reform is driven by ongoing inflation concerns and a desire to implement advanced data tools and AI for better economic management. If confirmed, Warsh's leadership could lead to a shift in monetary policy, potentially lowering interest rates and altering the Fed's inflation measurement framework.
7 sourcesApr 23Moderate
- Economy· World
Oil Prices Surpass $100 as US-Iran Peace Talks Collapse
Oil prices have surged past $100 per barrel due to stalled US-Iran peace negotiations and ongoing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. The immediate trigger for this spike is the postponement of US Vice President JD Vance's trip to Pakistan and Iran's indecision regarding participation in the talks. Long-term implications suggest continued volatility in global oil markets and potential further escalation of geopolitical tensions in the region.
8 sourcesApr 23Moderate
- Business· World
Trump Administration Negotiates $500 Million Loan for Spirit Airlines Amid Bankruptcy
On April 22, 2026, the Trump administration advanced negotiations for a $500 million rescue package to Spirit Airlines. This move comes as the airline faces severe financial distress due to rising jet fuel costs linked to the ongoing war with Iran and its Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings. If finalized, this funding could set a precedent for government intervention in the aviation sector during crises, impacting future bailout discussions for struggling airlines.
13 sourcesApr 23High