The Southern Regional Committee of ICAP held a deeply moving and thought-provoking Book Forum session on April 19, 2025, featuring Mr. Zafar Masud, CEO of Bank of Punjab, and his memoir Seat 1C – A Survivor’s Tale of Hope, Resilience & Renewal. He was joined by his father and Guest of Honour, the legendary actor Mr. Munawar Saeed. The session was opened by SRC Chairperson Ms. Moneeza Usman Butt, FCA, who emphasized the power of reading in shaping empathetic leaders, followed by a welcome address from ICAP Vice President Mr. Muhammad Samiullah Siddique, FCA. The discussion was moderated by Mr. Rashid Masood Alam, FCA, who guided the audience through the gripping narrative of surviving tragedy and rebuilding with purpose.
Throughout the evening, the audience was moved by stories reflecting on the habit of reading, near-death experiences, human goodness amid chaos, the toil of recovery, and the pursuit of lasting influence. These narratives encompassed ten core lessons explored in the book, including Arrogance, Dues, Goodness, Sincerity, Miracles, Willpower, Rituals, Bold Steps, Communication, and Legacy.
The event was attended by a distinguished group of guests from Pakistan’s business and cultural sectors, including Mr. Sultan Allana (Chairman HBL), Mr. Mahmud Mandiwala (Eminent Lawyer), Mr. Irteza Ali Qureshi, FCA (Managing Director PARCO), Mr. Muneer Kamal, Mr. Adnan Rizvi, FCA (Managing Partner KPMG Taseer Hadi & Co.), Mr. Asim Siddique (Country Managing Partner EY Ford Rhodes), Mr. Hussain Basrai, and Mr. Faraz Anwar (Partner PwC), among others. Members of the SRC and ICAP Council also graced the event, including Mr. Usama Rashid, FCA, Mr. Syed Junaid Ali, FCA, Ms. Hina Usmani, FCA, and Mr. Husnain R. Badami, FCA. The evening concluded with heartfelt closing remarks by Mr. Usama Rashid, FCA, who also played a pivotal role in making this initiative a success.
With signed copies, photographs, and rich conversations, the evening celebrated literature, resilience, and the human capacity to rise again.
Images Source: ICAP Official Facebook
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