April 12, 2025 (MLN): In a heartfelt gathering at the National Academy of Performing Arts (NAPA), PIA crash survivor Zafar Masud, President The Bank of Punjab (BoP) and Chairman Pakistan Banking
Association (PBA), unveiled his memoir titled “Seat 1C: A Survivor’s Tale of Hope, Resilience & Renewal.”
This is to recount his miraculous escape and the emotional journey that followed.
The launch event was hosted under the “MILKAR” mental health campaign — a collaborative initiative of the Mir Khalil-ur-Rehman Foundation (MKRF) and the British Asian Trust to raise awareness, break stigma, and promote mental well-being through real-life stories of perseverance.
Addressing the audience, Masud emphasized the importance of collective support in the face of emotional trauma. “Accidents do happen — but what truly matters is how we support each other afterward,” he said.
Stressing that mental health has many dimensions, he urged survivors of traumatic events to seek medical help without delay. “Luck and hope matter, but overcoming trauma requires active, positive measures,” he added.
Masud’s book delves into the psychological impact of surviving the 2020 PIA plane crash — a tragic event in which 97 out of 99 people lost their lives when Flight PK-8303 crashed in Karachi’s Model Colony.
“Seat 1C” not only recounts his survival but also documents his physical and emotional recovery while reflecting on broader societal attitudes towards mental health.
Also present at the event was Muhammad Zubair, the second survivor of the crash, who recalled the horror of the moment: “The entire plane was on fire — I still can’t believe I walked to the hospital after the crash. Even today, I feel fear during takeoff and landing.”
The event drew a large and diverse crowd, including Nasreen Jalil (senior MQM-P leader), renowned entrepreneur Amin Hashwani, and members of Masud’s family.
Ex Governor State Bank Saleem Raza, Prominent Banker Munir Kamal, Senator Amir Chisti and Mr Javed Jabbar were also present.
Through “Seat 1C,” Masud hopes to offer not just his story — but a message of healing and resilience to anyone facing the aftermath of trauma.
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