Story of a Master Mentor
Seat 1C: A Survivor’s Tale of Hope, Resilience and Renewal
Zafar Masud is an experienced banker and entrepreneur with over 30 years in banking, development finance, energy, and corporate governance. He has held positions as President & CEO of The Bank of Punjab, Chairman of Oil & Gas Development Company Limited, and Chairman of the Pakistan Banks’ Association, and has served on various boards, including the State Bank of Pakistan and the Advisory Board of the School of Business Studies at the Institute of Business Administration Karachi.
Seat 1C’ by Masud is a deeply moving, emotional narrative that ultimately inspires through themes of introspection, resilience, and the indomitable human spirit. On May 22, 2020, a devastating event unfolded when Pakistan International Airlines Flight 8303 tragically crashed in a residential area of Karachi, resulting in the loss of 98 lives. Amidst the chaos and destruction, Zafar Masud emerged as one of the only two individuals to survive the catastrophic incident. His remarkable journey provides a comprehensive and compelling narrative of that ill-fated day, enriched by perspectives from the other survivor, the courageous rescuers who worked tirelessly to save lives, and crucial eyewitnesses who witnessed the harrowing events unfold. Masud’s account not only highlights the personal struggle for survival but also sheds light on the collective efforts of those who responded to the disaster, offering a poignant reflection on resilience and hope in the face of tragedy. In the aftermath of the crash, Masud diligently reconstructs the harrowing mismanagement that contributed to the disaster while coping with the emotional turmoil of survival and embarking on a challenging path to physical recovery. His journey transcends mere survival; it is a testament to seizing a second chance at life, imbued with newfound insights and appreciation. Through his experiences, he shares valuable lessons on resilience and the strength to confront extraordinary challenges.
This pivotal moment inspired him to generate even more remarkable success stories. In August 2021, he received one of Hungary’s highest civilian honors and was highlighted in Master Mentors Volume 2, where he was recognized as one of the 30 most influential thinkers with transformative insights by bestselling author Scott Jeffrey Miller, being the sole representative from outside the Western Hemisphere. An excellent book that explores the theme of resilience.
By Dharma Raj. Published in Dumani Mail – Bhubaneswar on April 13, 2025
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