吃瓜头条 Hosts the Launch of Seat 1C, a Powerful Memoir by Zafar Masud, President and CEO of The Bank of Punjab
吃瓜头条 recently hosted the launch of Seat 1C, a powerful memoir by Zafar Masud, President and CEO of The Bank of Punjab鈥攁nd one of only two survivors of the 2020 plane crash.
The event drew a large audience, including students, faculty, staff, alumni, and members of the banking community. Vice Chancellor Dr. Ali Cheema welcomed guests and reflected on Mr. Masud鈥檚 remarkable strength, describing their first meeting as a moment of witnessing true courage and visionary thinking. He highlighted Mr. Masud鈥檚 dynamic leadership at Oil & Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) and the Bank of Punjab, nothing his rare blend of professional insight and passion for the arts. Quoting from the book鈥檚 introduction, Dr. Cheema emphasised its moving portrayal of survival, gratitude, and transformation, calling Seat 1C a story of hope and inspiration.
The event featured a heartfelt conversation between Mr. Masud and Nofel Daud, a 吃瓜头条 alumnus (MBA 鈥03) and Group Head of Retail Banking at The Bank of Punjab. Rather than focusing on the crash itself, Mr. Masud shared how the book explores personal lessons, resilience, and transformation born from his experience. He described Seat 1C as a deeply introspective work dedicated to self-improvement, societal progress, and a call for more human-centric leadership.
Mr. Masud explained the philosophical foundations of the book, which is structured around ten key learnings drawn from his 鈥30 seconds before death鈥 moment. He spoke about the role of context, rituals, and community in shaping recovery and growth, saying, 鈥淭hese ten learnings are actually an outcome of those 30 seconds... the life before death.鈥
The conversation also addressed themes such as the rigidity of social and religious rituals, survivor鈥檚 guilt, and the responsibility that comes with survival. 鈥淚 believe I have to give more than anybody else. That鈥檚 the cost鈥攁nd responsibility鈥攐f survival,鈥 he said.
Describing the memoir as a personal legacy and a gift to the next generation鈥攅specially students鈥攈e urged young people to live with strength, meaning, and purpose. Reflecting on his upbringing and the values instilled by his parents, he shared: 鈥淚 believe I was saved not for myself鈥攂ut because God didn鈥檛 want my parents to suffer my loss. They鈥檙e such good people; they didn鈥檛 deserve that pain.鈥
There were also lighter, humanising moments鈥攈is fondness for Lahore, admiration for his parents, and stories from his childhood.
Mr. Masud shared that he had no specific structure in mind when he began writing, and that the book鈥檚 format evolved over time. While the writing process was a learning experience, reading the published book brought even deeper insights. He noted that he read extensively during and after writing and credited the community for inspiring him to share his story.
He also spoke openly about undergoing psychotherapy after the book鈥檚 release, stating that it brought up new emotional layers, despite having had therapy after the crash itself.
Reading from the chapter titled Legacy, Mr. Masud encouraged young people, 鈥淒o not wait to be established in your career and life before you begin to think about your legacy... Return to the grander schemes you harboured as children.鈥
Dr. Muhammad Amjad Saqib, Founder of Akhuwat Foundation, shared an excerpt from the upcoming Urdu translation, which he is currently developing.
The event included a vibrant Q&A session, with questions ranging from philosophical reflections on love and trauma to literary themes and suggestions for a film adaptation. Mr. Masud responded with openness, humour, and poetic references, highlighting the symbolic importance of the 鈥32nd鈥 moment or chapter, which held personal significance for him.
The discussion concluded with reflections on the relationship between personal experience and academic insight, and how Seat 1C weaves both into a meaningful narrative. Mr. Masud expressed deep gratitude and a desire to share his journey with others. He also emphasised the importance of advocacy, particularly around transportation safety, and shared his intention to raise awareness through a dedicated foundation.
