President & CEO The Bank of Punjab Zafar Masud Unveils Seat 1C at Special Edition of ‘Breakfast with Jang’
A survivor’s tale of hope, resilience & renewal. Memoir launch sparks emotional dialogue on trauma, recovery, and resilience.
From the stirring documentary to the emotional dialogue and closing book signing, the launch of Seat 1C was more than a literary milestone—it was a public affirmation of the power of resilience and storytelling. In sharing his journey so openly, Zafar Masud reminds us all that even in the darkest moments, there is light to be found, and strength to be shared.
Islamabad – At a poignant and deeply moving gathering held at the Pakistan National Council of Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad, Zafar Masud, President and CEO of The Bank of Punjab, launched his powerful memoir, Seat 1C: A Survivor’s Tale of Hope, Resilience, and Renewal. The event brought together a cross-section of Pakistan’s intellectual, civic, and cultural communities to celebrate a story of survival that continues to resonate across the nation.
The program began with the screening of a special documentary tracing Masud’s extraordinary journey—from the devastating 2020 PIA plane crash to his profound physical, emotional, and spiritual recovery. The film offered a compelling and intimate portrait of transformation, setting the emotional tone for the event.
Before the formal proceedings, guests were welcomed to a pre-event breakfast, offering an opportunity for informal interaction among a distinguished gathering that included senior journalists, diplomats, policymakers, civil society representatives, literary figures, academics, students, and members of the banking and corporate sector. The atmosphere was one of empathy and reflection, grounded in the shared appreciation of human resilience.
The moderated conversation was led by Ms. Aliya Agha, who thoughtfully explored key themes from the memoir such as trauma, personal growth, leadership under pressure, and healing after crisis.
Senator Sarmad Ali, Managing Director of the Jang Group, hosted the special edition of the Breakfast with Jang series. In his opening remarks, he shared the vision behind the platform, saying, “We created Breakfast with Jang to give powerful voices from all walks of life a space to share their journeys—stories that inspire, challenge perspectives, and spark meaningful dialogue across society.” He underscored the media’s commitment to elevating narratives that foster empathy, reflection, culture and positive change.
Zafar Masud spoke with honesty and emotional clarity about the experience that reshaped his life. He shared how confronting death brought new meaning to leadership, relationships, and inner strength. His reflections on survivor’s guilt, the importance of therapy, and the support of loved ones were both personal and universally resonant.
He emphasized that the memoir is not just a recollection of survival but also a call for aviation reform, urban planning improvements, and greater public awareness about trauma and recovery.
To the audience’s delight, Masud announced that a sequel to Seat 1C and an Urdu & Spanish edition are in development, aiming to expand the reach of his story and connect with broader audiences across Pakistan.
The event featured a vibrant Q&A session, where attendees raised insightful questions on leadership, institutional accountability, post-traumatic growth, and the societal gaps in mental health discourse. Masud’s open, heartfelt responses left many visibly moved and inspired. The gathering concluded with a book signing session, where guests had the chance to meet the author, receive signed copies, and engage in brief yet meaningful exchanges—an intimate end to a morning filled with reflection, humanity, and hope.
Sources:
Jang – The News International – Lahore Print Editing – Special Report – English – Page 14
Jang – The News International – Lahore Print Editing – Special Report – Urdu – Page 9