A Legacy of Excellence: Mr. Zafar Masud Honored at the First French Alumni Gala 2025
The First French Alumni Gala and Excellency Awards, held at the Embassy of France in Islamabad, marked a historic milestone in the academic and professional relationship between Pakistan and France. Among a distinguished gathering of France-educated leaders, the evening’s centerpiece was the recognition of our President and CEO, Mr. Zafar Masud, for his unparalleled contributions to the financial sector and corporate governance.
The video above, produced specifically for this inaugural ceremony, chronicles a journey that began in the lecture halls of INSEAD and led to the helm of Pakistan’s most strategic financial institutions.
The French Connection: A Blueprint for Leadership
Mr. Masud’s professional DNA is deeply rooted in his experience at INSEAD in Fontainebleau, France, where he specialized in Corporate Governance. This rigorous French academic training provided more than just a qualification; it offered a “strategic blueprint” that has defined his career. By blending global standards of transparency and structured growth with a deep understanding of Pakistan’s local economic landscape, Mr. Masud has pioneered a leadership style that is as analytical as it is impactful.
Transforming the Financial Landscape
At the heart of this tribute is Mr. Masud’s visionary stewardship of The Bank of Punjab (BOP). Under his leadership, the bank has undergone a profound digital and cultural metamorphosis. From spearheading massive expansions to prioritizing SME and agricultural lending, his mission has been to ensure that banking serves as a catalyst for national progress. As the Chairman of the Pakistan Banks Association (PBA) and the Board of OGDCL, his influence extends across the core pillars of the Pakistani economy, always anchored by the principles of integrity he championed during his time in France.
Beyond the Boardroom: A Philosophy of Empathy
Perhaps the most poignant segment of the video touches upon the personal resilience that defines Mr. Masud today. His miraculous survival of the PK-8303 plane crash in 2020 served as a transformative catalyst, shifting his focus toward “Empathy-Driven Leadership.” As detailed in his memoir, Seat 1C, Mr. Masud views leadership not just as a position of authority, but as a responsibility to serve the community with purpose and compassion.
This French Alumni Gala 2025 and Excellency Awards is more than a professional accolade; it is a celebration of a leader who serves as a bridge between two nations. We invite you to watch this profile, which captures the essence of a career dedicated to excellence, the spirit of international exchange, and a tireless commitment to the future of Pakistan.
See more: Zafar Masud at French Alumni Gala and Excellency Awards
The First French Alumni Gala 2025 and Excellency Awards 2025, held on November 29, 2025, at the Embassy of France in Islamabad, was more than just a formal dinner; it was a historic celebration of the “human bridge” between Pakistan and France. Marking the third edition of France Alumni Day in Pakistan, the evening launched the inaugural Excellency Awards to honor the profound impact of France-educated professionals on Pakistan’s socio-economic landscape.
A Night of Diplomacy and Academic Excellence
Hosted by H.E. Nicolas Galey, the Ambassador of France to Pakistan, the gala brought together a distinguished assembly of high-ranking diplomats, corporate leaders, artists, and academics. The atmosphere was one of refined elegance, underscored by the shared language of international education and cultural exchange.
In his keynote address at French Alumni Gala 2025 and Excellency Awards, Ambassador Galey shared a staggering statistic that defined the evening: applications from Pakistani students to study in France have surged from a mere 200 only four years ago to an impressive 7,000 in 2025. This 35-fold increase reflects the success of the “Choose France” Education Tours and the deepening institutional linkages between the two nations.
French Alumni Gala 2025 and Excellency Awards: Honoring the Pioneers
The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the first-ever Excellency Awards, recognizing five alumni who have integrated French academic rigor with Pakistani professional ambition.
Spotlighting Mr. Zafar Masud
A standout moment of the ceremony was the recognition of Mr. Zafar Masud, the President and CEO of The Bank of Punjab (BOP). An alumnus of the world-renowned INSEAD in Fontainebleau, Mr. Masud was honored for his Excellence in the Financial Sector.
The award celebrated his strategic leadership and his commitment to best-in-class corporate governance—principles he refined during his time in France. Beyond his corporate success, the event acknowledged his personal resilience as a survivor of the PK-8303 crash, an experience he chronicled in his book Seat 1C, which champions an empathy-driven approach to leadership.
Diverse Talents Recognized
While the banking sector saw high-profile representation, the awards were designed to be inclusive of the diverse contributions made by the alumni network.
| Award Category | Field of Recognition | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Professional Achievement | Banking & Finance | Awarded to Zafar Masud (INSEAD) for corporate transformation. |
| Artistic Innovation | Arts & Theatre | Celebrating alumni who have enriched Pakistan’s cultural fabric. |
| Culinary Arts | Gastronomy | Recognition of the growing French culinary influence in Pakistan. |
| Scientific Excellence | Research & Academia | Honoring PhD holders driving innovation in local universities. |
The Broader Impact: Talents to Change the World
The theme of the French Alumni Gala 2025 and Excellency Awards, “Talents to Change the World,” resonated through the stories shared by the alumni. The evening underscored how the Pak-France Alumni Network (PFAN) has evolved into a powerhouse of expertise.
- Economic Ties: The Pakistan-France Business Alliance (PFBA) continues to foster B2B connections, with many alumni leading French-affiliated companies in Pakistan.
- Educational Growth: The Campus France offices in Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi have become vital hubs for students, offering a pathway to top-tier European education.
- Cultural Fusion: From the vibrant fashion show that accompanied the awards to the French-inspired menu, the gala showcased a unique blend of “Savoir-Faire” and “Pakistani hospitality.”
“Being part of this alumni network is an asset for individuals, their institutions, and Pakistan as a whole.” — Ambassador Nicolas Galey
A Shared Future
As the evening concluded, the message was clear: the relationship between France and Pakistan is no longer just about state-to-state diplomacy; it is about the thousands of individuals who act as cultural and professional ambassadors every day. Whether it is a CEO like Zafar Masud implementing global governance standards or a young researcher bringing home French scientific techniques, the “French Alumni” are the driving force behind this partnership.
French Alumni Gala 2025 and Excellency Awards has set a new benchmark for recognizing global talent, ensuring that the excellence fostered in the lecture halls of Paris and Fontainebleau continues to bear fruit in the heart of Pakistan.