Zafar Masud’s Speech at PSRD Gala Dinner 2025 — Summary
In this video, Zafar Masud’s Speech at PSRD Gala Dinner 2025, President of the Bank of Punjab and a miracle survivor of the PK-8303 plane crash, delivers an inspiring speech at the PSRD (Pakistan Society for the Rehabilitation of the Differently Abled) Gala Dinner 2025.
His address is a profound reflection on the importance of inclusive institutions, the philosophy of “Life Before Death,” and a call for collective social responsibility. Zafar Masud emphasizes that institutions like PSRD are vital for providing livelihood and dignity to the differently abled. He highlights the role of technology in modern rehabilitation and shares a deeply personal perspective on accountability, stemming from his near-death experience. The speech concludes with a significant financial pledge to support vocational rehabilitation through a partnership between the Bank of Punjab and Akhuat.
A Homecoming to Service and Legacy
Zafar Masud, the President of the Bank of Punjab and a survivor of the PK-8303 plane crash, delivered a deeply moving and reflective address at the PSRD Gala Dinner 2025. He began his speech by describing his visit to the Pakistan Society for the Rehabilitation of Differently Abled as a homecoming, noting that he grew up observing the dedication of the organization’s founding families. He paid special tribute to the multi-generational commitment of the Shamsi, Kazmi, and Tarar families, highlighting how their children have stepped up to continue the legacy of service, which he believes is the foundation upon which the best institutions are built.
The Evolution of Inclusive Institutions
Building on his previous academic discussions regarding extractive versus inclusive institutions, Masud praised PSRD as a gold standard for inclusion at the PSRD Gala Dinner 2025. He emphasized that the organization does more than just provide medical aid; it offers the differently abled the necessary livelihood tools and vocational training required to live with independence and self-respect. He specifically commended the institution’s recent shift toward technology, noting that computer literacy is no longer optional but a fundamental requirement for participating in modern society.
Philosophical Reflections: Life Before Death
A significant portion of the speech was dedicated to Masud’s personal philosophy of accountability, which he framed as the concept of “Life Before Death.” Drawing from the harrowing thirty seconds he experienced during his plane crash, he described a moment of intense self-reflection where he felt he was standing in his own witness box. He argued that while the divine is inherently merciful in the afterlife, the true test of a life well-lived is whether an individual can face their own conscience without remorse in those final moments. He suggested that supporting causes like PSRD provides the moral satisfaction necessary to achieve this inner peace.
Mentorship and the Power of Compassion
Masud also took the opportunity to honor Dr. Amjad Saqib, the founder of Akhuat, whom he described as a personal mentor and a national institution in his own right. He shared the prestigious update that Dr. Saqib is voluntarily translating Masud’s book, Seat 1C, into Urdu. He noted that both Dr. Saqib and PSRD share a common mission of restoring human dignity through empowerment, describing Dr. Saqib’s commitment to the poor as a contagious force that is essential for building a prosperous and peaceful Pakistani society.
A Commitment to Sustainable Empowerment
The address concluded with a substantial financial commitment to ensure the long-term success of PSRD’s graduates. Following an earlier announcement of a one-million-rupee donation, Masud pledged that the Bank of Punjab would contribute an additional four million rupees to bring the total to five million. This capital is intended to establish an endowment fund that will work in partnership with Akhuat. The fund will provide interest-free loans to individuals completing their rehabilitation at PSRD, allowing them to transition from students to entrepreneurs and fully integrate into the economy with dignity.
About PSRD Gala Dinner 2025
The PSRD Gala Dinner 2025 held in Lahore stands as a hallmark event for the Pakistan Society for the Rehabilitation of Differently Abled, marking decades of tireless service to the community. This year’s gathering was not just a social occasion but a powerful demonstration of collective empathy and institutional strength. Since its humble beginnings in 1957 in a single room at Mayo Hospital, the PSRD has evolved into a comprehensive rehabilitation hub, and the PSRD Gala Dinner 2025 served to celebrate these milestones while securing the future of its ambitious outreach programs.
A Legacy of Compassion and Innovation
The evening highlighted the multifaceted nature of the organization’s work. Attendees at the PSRD Gala Dinner 2025 were reminded that the society operates a 100-bed orthopedic hospital, a high school providing free education to hundreds of students, and advanced physiotherapy and speech therapy centers. A major focus during the event was the Vocational Rehabilitation Centre (VRC). The VRC’s microcredit scheme, which has disbursed millions in interest-free loans to help differently abled individuals start businesses, was showcased as a model for economic empowerment.
Notable Guests and Moving Addresses
The PSRD Gala Dinner 2025 was graced by prominent figures, including Dr. Amjad Saqib, the founder of Akhuat, and Zafar Masud, President of the Bank of Punjab. Masud’s speech was a centerpiece of the night, where he reflected on his survival of the PK-8303 crash and his philosophy of “Life Before Death.” His presence at the PSRD Gala Dinner 2025 underscored the idea that survival is a divine mandate for service. Dr. Amjad Saqib, acting as the chief guest, emphasized that rehabilitation is not just a medical necessity but a fundamental human right that restores dignity to the marginalized.
Technological Advancements and Future Goals
A key takeaway from the PSRD Gala Dinner 2025 was the organization’s pivot toward modern technology. The society has recently integrated computer training and digital literacy into its curriculum, recognizing that the modern job market is largely digital. Leaders at the PSRD Gala Dinner 2025 explained that these tools are essential for the differently abled to compete on an even playing field. Furthermore, the event highlighted the expansion of services to other cities, including the new outpatient department at the Islamabad chapter, ensuring that high-quality orthopedic care is accessible beyond Lahore.
Philanthropic Impact and Pledges
The financial success of the PSRD Gala Dinner 2025 was unprecedented. The Bank of Punjab, led by Zafar Masud, pledged a significant sum of 5 million PKR to establish an endowment fund for rehabilitation. This fund, created in partnership with Akhuat, will specifically provide Qarz-e-Hasna (interest-free loans) to graduates of PSRD’s vocational programs. The PSRD Gala Dinner 2025 proved that when corporate leadership and humanitarian spirit align, the resulting impact can transform thousands of lives.
As the night concluded, the sense of community was palpable. The PSRD Gala Dinner 2025 not only raised vital funds but also reinvigorated the spirit of volunteerism among the younger generation of the founding families. It served as a reminder that while physical disabilities may pose challenges, the lack of opportunity is the true barrier—a barrier that the PSRD Gala Dinner 2025 has helped to dismantle.
For a closer look at the inspiring messages shared during the evening, you can watch the complete event on YouTube or here. This video provides the full context of the humanitarian appeals and personal stories that defined the gala.