In May 2020, Pakistan International Airlines Flight 8303 crashed in a Karachi suburb. Ninety-eight lives were lost, with only two survivors from the crash. Zafar Masud’s Seat 1C is a memoir recounting his near-death experience. Masud, a banker, is the current chief executive officer of the Bank of Punjab. He has held the position since April 4, 2020. He is a development and social impact-focused banker, entrepreneur, public sector expert who has had exceptional success in development finance, energy, corporate governance and management.
The writer explores various aspects integral to achieving an equitable world and living a fulfilling life, all from his unique perspective. For each one, he manages to trace the historical context and place it in theory while linking it to his own observations of the practical world. It’s an interesting approach that lends authenticity to his understanding of life and fosters a relationship of trust with the reader. Non-fiction can be hard to read for it often risks failing to keep the reader engaged. However, for methis book was, for the most part, a smooth read.
One might expect a different tale – perhaps an in-depth account from one of the two survivors, still in a state of utter shock. While the book has that, it is also has much more. The book reflects on various aspects of life that can be reshaped for a more fulfilling experience in this world. It exposes mismanagement by those in charge on the day of the event, yet does not dwell solely on the blame or the negative experiences. The narrative maintains a positive outlook, with each chapter expanding to reframe societal shortcomings and negativity.
At numerous instances, allusions are made to enhance the readability and comprehension of the text. At times, there is a reference to Shakespeare and the great dramatist’s use of pathetic fallacy; at others, to the mythological figure Icarus and its fabled haste in reaching its destination. Masud urges his readers to be cautious and to heed the lessons of history and mythology. One major step towards improvement, he suggests, is to look back at our colonial experience and the policies and plans of the British, aimed mostly at the subjugation of the ‘others.’ There are many lessons here that remain relevant even in contemporary times.
Adopting a confrontational tone, he comments on the barbaric and unethical exploitation of the colonised by the imperial West, urging the readers and the wider public to take control of their lives and destinies.
As a Pakistani, the visual description of the geographical space and the determinants of its crumbling state resonated with me. The ruthless urbanisation has had an immensely damaging impact on both the outlook and functionality of our cities. Masud captures this vividly, describing the city as a “bustling metropolis” and referring to a ‘strong breeze that whistled through trees and powerlines.” In today’s world, where much thought is given to sustainability and eco-friendly initiatives, reworking current plans and policies is increasingly significant.
Seat 1C transcends the crash – it becomes a lens to examine corruption, loss and the possibility of redemption.
The most thought-provoking concept I came across in Seat 1C was that of the “space-time continuum.” To elaborate on his idea, Masud discusses various case studies by notable theorists such as Kenneth Ring, Michael Sabom and Bruce Greyson, to name a few. One such case is that of Albert Heim, the geologist who survived a fall off Säntis, Switzerland, in 1871.
Learning that near-death experiences (NDEs) can instil a strange urge within surviros– an impulse that enables them to arrive at logical deductions or to fulfil pending obligations before the inevitable disaster strikes – was entirely new to me. This includes planning resolutions for emotional and financial burdens that might otherwise linger in the lives of NDE survivors, often surfacing later as regrets. Masud argues that willpower is a crucial trait required to overcome the after-effects of a tragic incident such as the one he and Zubair experienced. He writes that this trait can be enhanced through “cognitive reframing”that can prevent both individuals and, by extension, nations from spiralling into the depths of regression.
The narrative also sheds light on the age-old debate regarding the inherent nature of humanity and attempts to explore both sides of this philosophical question: is goodness an intrinsic human trait, or is evil? To address this rhetorical question, Masud draws parallels with philosophers and literary giants to deeply examine the nature of humankind. Drawing on historical examples, he persuades the reader that goodness does indeed prevail – if nurtured properly from the beginning. He alludes to Rousseau’s notion of humankind’s inherent goodness and cites the 2005 earthquake that struck Pakistan, when millions came together to support those who were suffering.
In Seat IC, Masud calls out the corruption involved in creating certain historical narratives. According to him, these narratives are often meant to serve political agendas. He calls this the “whitewashing” of history. This dilution of truth, he argues, does more harm to nations than the good that might result from upholding the peace.
History, he argues, in its purest form is a reflection of who we were, the choices we made, and the consequences of those decisions. When history is manipulated, it becomes something else: something distorted, stripped of the truth and reshaped to fit some agenda. The danger here is profound. When we lose sight of the real story, we also lose the lessons it might teach us. Instead of grappling with the past in all its complexity, we are left with a simplified narrative – one that can be wielded like a weapon.
Manipulating history is not just about bending facts; it is also about reshaping the foundation of our identity. Altering the past robs the future generations of the wisdom they need to navigate their own challenges. In order to find our way in this world, sincerity – at all levels – is essential. Masud writes, “Once sincerity is sacrificed, it becomes hard to recover the truth.”It is vital to preserve the truth and to write one’s own story.
Seat 1C
- Author: Zafar Masud
- Publisher: Lightstone
- Publishers, 2025
- Pages: 250, Hardback
- Price: Rs 3,150
By Qurat Ul Ain Khalil. Published on April 6, 2025 in The News Reviews
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