The video captures a poignant session from the 2nd Pakistan Literature Festival (PLF Houston), a significant cultural gathering organized by the International Academy of Letters USA to promote Urdu Literature in Houston. As one of the premier Pakistani Diaspora Events, the festival featured Zafar Masud, President of the Bank of Punjab, discussing his book Seat 1C. The session provided a platform for Masud to share his miraculous survival story from the PK8303 plane crash, contextualizing his experience within a broader literary and philosophical framework that resonated deeply with the audience.

During the discussion, Masud explored the concept of Post-Traumatic Growth, emphasizing the urgency of settling emotional dues and living a “life before death” without regrets. He also reflected on his intellectual heritage, crediting his resilience and writing ability to his roots in the distinguished Jaun Elia Family. The conversation ultimately served as a moving testament to human endurance, blending the worlds of high finance and literature to offer profound lessons on mortality, legacy, and faith.

Video Summary

This session features Zafar Masud, President of the Bank of Punjab and a survivor of the tragic PK8303 plane crash. Moderated by Adeel Zaidi and Dr. Hina Tariq, the conversation delves into his book, Seat 1C, which documents his survival and the profound philosophical shifts he experienced following the accident.

Key Discussion Points:

• The “30-Second Story”: Masud describes the final moments before the crash as a “movie” of his life playing before his eyes. He emphasizes that this experience taught him to focus on “life before death”—ensuring one lives without regrets and settles “emotional dues”—rather than just worrying about the afterlife.
• Intellectual Heritage: Coming from a family of renowned literary figures like John Elia and Rais Amrohvi, Masud explains that writing was in his DNA. He views the book as his “permanent contribution” to the world, aimed at sharing the wisdom gained from a near-death experience.
• The 10 Pillars of “Seat 1C”: The book is structured around ten core themes: Arrogance, Dues, Goodness, Sincerity, Miracles, Will Power, Rituals, Bold Steps, Communication, and Legacy. He highlights that communication is often the difference between life and death, noting the lack of a distress call during his flight.
• Resilience and Recovery: Masud speaks candidly about his mental health journey, including four months of psychotherapy. He shares how he practiced “work from hospital bed” during the peak of COVID-19 as a form of distraction therapy to keep his mind focused on productivity.
• A New Found Fearlessness: Surviving the crash has made Masud “fearless” in his professional and personal life. He notes a heightened sense of urgency to complete tasks, advising the audience not to leave things pending because “life is on borrowed time.”
• Future Projects: Beyond Seat 1C, Masud is working on books regarding Financial Inclusion and the intersection of Literature and the Economy, reflecting his dual identity as a high-level banker and a literary enthusiast.

The session serves as a powerful testament to human resilience, urging viewers to celebrate every moment and prioritize human goodness above all else.

2nd Pakistan Literature Festival (PLF) Houston

The event was a significant cultural and intellectual event held on December 6–7, 2025, in Houston, Texas. Organized by the International Academy of Letters USA (IAL USA), a nonprofit think-tank led by Ghazanfar Hashmi, it served as a platform for dialogue on literature, culture, and national discourse for the Pakistani-American community.

Key Highlights & Sessions

The festival featured a diverse lineup of scholars, writers, and leaders. Notable sessions included:

• “Seat 1C” Special Conversation: A highlight of the event was a discussion with Zafar Masud (President/CEO of the Bank of Punjab), a survivor of the PK8303 plane crash. He discussed his book Seat 1C, focusing on resilience and life lessons learned from the tragedy.
• Alami Mushaira (Grand Poetry Recital): Renowned poets and literary voices gathered to celebrate Urdu poetry, reflecting the “spirit of adab” and shared cultural heritage.
• AI & Creative Writing: A forward-looking panel featuring experts like Raza Rumi and Fawad Hasan Fawad, exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping literature and the creative arts.
• Economic & National Discourse: Discussions led by figures such as Shabbar Zaidi (former FBR Chairman) and Salman Razzaqi, providing insights into Pakistan’s economic challenges and future outlook.
• PTV News Retrospective: A nostalgic panel titled “PTV News – Yaadin, Baatein” featured legendary broadcasters like Mahpara Safdar, Shahida Hassan, and Khalid Hameed.
• Literary Activism: A session focused on how writers and thinkers use literature as a tool for social change and community engagement.

Context in the PLF Series

While the Houston event was the 2nd edition specifically for the city (organized by IAL), the “Pakistan Literature Festival” brand is also associated with a global series organized by the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi. For example:

• Sukkur Chapter II: Another “2nd” event in the series was the Sukkur Chapter II held in February 2025, which focused on Sindhi literature and youth engagement.
• Global Footprint: Similar festivals have been held in Lahore, Quetta, and London to promote Pakistan’s “soft image” and cultural diversity.

The Houston event was particularly noted for bridging the gap between the Pakistani diaspora and their heritage, combining traditional arts with modern discussions on technology and governance.

Life, Death, and the 30 Seconds in Between: Zafar Masud at the 2nd Pakistan Literature Festival

In the vibrant cultural landscape of Houston, Texas, a profound silence fell over the audience as a miraculous story of survival, resilience, and existential awakening unfolded. This was the scene at the 2nd Pakistan Literature Festival, an event that has quickly become a cornerstone for the South Asian diaspora in North America. Organized by the International Academy of Letters (IAL) under the stewardship of Ghazanfar Hashmi, the PLF Houston gathered intellectuals, poets, and thinkers to celebrate heritage and humanity. However, one session stood out for its emotional weight and philosophical depth: the conversation with Zafar Masud, the President of the Bank of Punjab and the author of the transformative book, Seat 1C.

The event provided the perfect backdrop for this discussion. Unlike standard corporate talks or banking conventions, the PLF Houston offered a space where the soul takes precedence over the balance sheet. Masud, known globally as one of only two survivors of the tragic PK8303 plane crash in Karachi, took the stage not just as a banker, but as a man who has peered behind the curtain of mortality. The session, moderated by the eloquent Adeel Zaidi and Dr. Hina Tariq, explored the narrative arc of Seat 1C, a book that Masud describes as his “permanent contribution to a transitory world.”

The Atmosphere at the 2nd Pakistan Literature Festival

The session began with a warm introduction by Ghazanfar Hashmi, the architect of the event in Houston. Hashmi’s efforts to bring the “spirit of Adab” (literature) to the United States were lauded by the attendees. The PLF Houston has successfully replicated the bustling intellectual energy found in the literary circles of Lahore and Karachi. As Masud took the stage, the significance of the venue became clear. The 2nd Pakistan Literature Festival was not merely a series of book launches; it was a sanctuary for dialogue that bridges the gap between the expatriate community and the pulse of Pakistan.

Masud acknowledged the impeccable organization of the PLF Houston, noting that he had not expected such a “well-orchestrated event.” His opening remarks set a tone of gratitude—gratitude for the life he was given back, and gratitude for platforms like the event that allow stories of survival to be shared with dignity and depth.

Seat 1C: A Literary Legacy in the Making

The centerpiece of the discussion was, naturally, Masud’s book, Seat 1C. The moderators, Adeel Zaidi and Dr. Hina Tariq, navigated the conversation with a blend of literary appreciation and personal curiosity. Zaidi, a known figure in the city’s literary life, pointed out that Seat 1C is not a typical memoir. It is a chronicle of a miracle.

At the PLF Houston, Masud revealed that Seat 1C has already seen 42 promotional talks since its launch in Lahore. However, the energy brought out new nuances in his storytelling. He shared that the book is currently being translated into Spanish and has already been translated into Urdu by the legendary Dr. Amjad Saqib. The global interest in Seat 1C underscores the universality of its themes—survival, faith, and the fragility of life.

An interesting revelation was the upcoming “Sketchbook” edition of Seat 1C. Recognizing that modern attention spans are shortening, Masud has commissioned sketches for every chapter to visually narrate his experience. This innovation speaks to the adaptability discussed throughout the PLF Houston, showing how literature must evolve to reach new audiences.

The Bloodline of Words: A Family of Letters

One cannot understand Zafar Masud’s presence at the 2nd Pakistan Literature Festival without understanding his lineage. The moderators at PLF Houston highlighted that Masud belongs to a “noble literary household.” He is the nephew of the great poets Jaun Elia and Rais Amrohvi, and the son of Munawar Saeed.

Masud admitted that writing was, in a sense, inevitable. He described it as a “DNA” trait. With over 50 books authored by his extended family, the pressure to contribute to the written word was immense. However, Seat 1C differs from the poetry of Elia or the prose of Taqi. It is a raw, first-hand account of trauma and transcendence.

During the PLF Houston session, Masud joked that despite his banking career, the literary gene was always dormant, waiting for a catalyst. Tragically, that catalyst was the crash of PK8303. The audience listened intently as he described how his family heritage influenced his ability to articulate the indescribable experience of falling from the sky.

The 30-Second Story: Life Before Death

The most profound segment of the session at the 2nd Pakistan Literature Festival revolved around what Masud calls the “30-Second Story.” This concept is the philosophical core of Seat 1C and was the emotional anchor of his talk at PLF Houston.

Masud recounted the moments before the crash. Unlike in movies, there was no chaotic screaming, no final announcement from the pilot. There was silence, followed by the impact. In those estimated 30 seconds of descent, Masud experienced a “movie” of his life playing out before his eyes. He told the audience that this was the moment of ultimate judgment—not by God, but by oneself.

“Life After Death is the domain of faith,” Masud argued at the PLF Houston. “We all believe in a merciful God who will likely forgive us. But the real trial is Life Before Death.” He explained that in those final seconds, you stand in the witness box of your own conscience. If you can face those 30 seconds without regret, you have lived a successful life. This poignant message resonated deeply with the attendees, shifting the conversation from a recounting of a disaster to a lesson on mindful living.

He urged the PLF Houston audience to settle their “emotional dues.” He emphasized that financial debts are easily settled, but the debts of forgiveness, love, and time are what haunt you in those final moments. This takeaway became the defining message of his appearance at the 2nd Pakistan Literature Festival.

The 10 Pillars of Seat 1C

Adeel Zaidi, the moderator at the 2nd Pakistan Literature Festival, listed the ten chapter titles of Seat 1C, which serve as the pillars of Masud’s post-crash philosophy. These include Arrogance, Dues, Goodness, Sincerity, Miracles, Will Power, Rituals, Bold Steps, Communication, and Legacy.

At the PLF Houston, Masud paid special attention to the chapter on “Communication.” He drew a chilling parallel between the crash and the failure of communication. He noted that had a distress signal been properly communicated or protocols followed, the tragedy might have been averted. He expanded this into a broader societal critique, stating that our inability to communicate honestly in daily life is a slow-motion tragedy of its own.

The discussion on “Legacy” at the PLF Houston was equally moving. Masud read an excerpt from Seat 1C, referencing the song “Borrowed Heaven” by The Corrs. “I know I am living on borrowed time,” he recited. The event hall was silent as he explained that his second life is a loan from the Almighty, one that he intends to pay back with interest through service and goodness.

Resilience: Working from the Hospital Bed

Dr. Hina Tariq, co-moderator at the 2nd Pakistan Literature Festival, brought a medical perspective to the conversation. She asked about the trauma, the PTSD, and the recovery process. Masud’s answer at PLF Houston surprised many. He revealed that he began working from his hospital bed almost immediately, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic in mid-2020.

“Work was my therapy,” Masud said. While others were adjusting to ‘Work from Home,’ Masud pioneered ‘Work from Hospital.’ This was not out of corporate obligation, but a desperate need for normalcy. The PLF Houston audience learned that by focusing on his professional responsibilities, Masud was able to distract his mind from the physical pain and the psychological horror of the crash.

This segment of the event highlighted a different kind of resilience—one found in purpose. Masud argued that meaningful work and life are inseparable. For the youth watching the PLF Houston broadcast, this was a powerful lesson in finding passion that transcends circumstances.

A New Fearlessness: The Change in Zafar Masud

A recurring question at the event was whether the crash changed Zafar Masud. To answer this, Masud deferred to his close friend and former bureaucrat, Fawad Hasan Fawad, who was present in the PLF Houston audience.

Fawad noted that Masud had always been a man of passion, but the crash transformed him into a “man with a mission.” Masud elaborated on this, stating that he has become “fearless.” Having seen death so closely, the trivial fears of corporate politics, job security, or social status have vanished.

“I am more aggressive now,” Masud admitted to the PLF Houston crowd. “I have an urgency to get things done because I know the lights can go out at any moment.” This sense of urgency is what drives his leadership at the Bank of Punjab and his various philanthropic endeavors discussed at the event.

Intersection of Economy and Literature

True to the intellectual spirit of the 2nd Pakistan Literature Festival, Masud touched upon his future writing projects. He is working on a book titled Literature and Economy. He argued at PLF Houston that these two disciplines are deeply interconnected, though often treated as separate silos in Pakistan.

He cited examples from Charles Dickens to Faiz Ahmed Faiz, explaining how great literature often serves as a commentary on economic conditions. This cross-disciplinary approach is typical of Masud’s thinking, which seeks to break “out of the box”—the title of another one of his books mentioned at PLF Houston.

The Role of Miracles and Faith

The chapter on “Miracles” in Seat 1C was a focal point of the spiritual discussion at the 2nd Pakistan Literature Festival. Masud, while a modern banker, expressed a deep conviction in the metaphysical. He spoke of the random nature of survival—why him and not the person in 1D?

At PLF Houston, he rejected the title of a “Pir” or saint, despite people often treating him as one following the crash. “I am just a flawed human who got lucky,” he said. However, he acknowledged that this “luck” comes with a heavy burden of responsibility. He feels he owes a debt to the 97 souls who perished, a sentiment that permeated his entire talk at the PLF Houston.

Conclusion: The Legacy of the 2nd Pakistan Literature Festival

The session with Zafar Masud was undoubtedly a high point of the 2nd Pakistan Literature Festival. It encapsulated everything the organizers of PLF Houston hoped to achieve: meaningful dialogue, cultural connection, and the sharing of profound human experiences.

As the session concluded, Masud thanked the organizers, particularly Ghazanfar Hashmi, for establishing the 2nd Pakistan Literature Festival as a premier event. He reiterated that his book, Seat 1C, and his presence at PLF Houston, were efforts to share the burden of his survival.

The event provided a platform for Zafar Masud to remind us all that we are living on borrowed time. His message to the PLF Houston audience was clear: Do not wait for the crash to find clarity. Find it now. Forgive now. Live now.

In the annals of literary events in the diaspora, the event in Houston will be remembered for this raw, honest, and transformative conversation. It was not just about a book; it was about the art of living before dying.

Extended Analysis: The Cultural Impact of PLF Houston

The success of the 2nd Pakistan Literature Festival signals a shifting tide in the Pakistani-American community. Events like PLF Houston are moving beyond mere entertainment to become hubs of intellectual rigor. Zafar Masud’s participation elevated the event by blending the corporate world with the literary world, proving that “Adab” (literature) is relevant to every sector of society.

Furthermore, the event highlighted the importance of documenting history. Masud’s book Seat 1C is a primary source document of a national tragedy. By discussing it, the community engages in a collective healing process. The questions from the audience at PLF Houston reflected a deep need to understand trauma and the mechanisms of coping, making the 2nd Pakistan Literature Festival a therapeutic space as much as a literary one.

The Moderator’s Role

The flow of the conversation at the event owes much to Adeel Zaidi and Dr. Hina Tariq. Their preparation allowed the session at PLF Houston to oscillate between technical details of the crash and high-level philosophy. Dr. Hina’s inquiry into the “Code Blue” moments provided a visceral reality to the talk, grounding the ethereal concepts Masud was discussing. This dynamic is what sets the 2nd Pakistan Literature Festival apart—the quality of discourse is maintained by knowledgeable moderators who respect the intelligence of the PLF Houston audience.

Final Thoughts on Seat 1C at PLF Houston

Zafar Masud’s journey from the wreckage of PK8303 to the stage is a testament to the human spirit’s refusal to break. Seat 1C is more than a book; it is a manual for the living. The PLF Houston audience left the hall carrying the weight of his “30-Second Story,” prompted to look at their own lives through the lens of urgency and gratitude.

As the 2nd Pakistan Literature Festival continues to grow, it will likely host many more dignitaries and authors. Yet, the session with Zafar Masud at PLF Houston will remain a benchmark for emotional honesty. It reminded everyone present that while we cannot control our death, we have absolute control over our “Life Before Death.” This was the enduring gift of Zafar Masud to the 2nd Pakistan Literature Festival.

Philosophical Underpinnings at the 2nd Pakistan Literature Festival

To fully grasp the magnitude of the talk at the 2nd Pakistan Literature Festival, one must delve deeper into the philosophy Masud espoused. He referenced the concept of “Goodness” as the only currency that matters. This alignment with humanistic values over materialistic ones resonated with the literary crowd.

Masud’s reference to Eugene O’Kelly, the former CEO of KPMG who wrote Chasing Daylight, drew a parallel between Western corporate philosophy and Eastern mysticism at the PLF Houston. Just as O’Kelly chronicled his final days, Masud chronicles his “bonus days.” This cross-cultural literary reference enriched the discourse at the event, showing that the quest for meaning is universal.

The Future of PLF Houston

The 2nd Pakistan Literature Festival has set a high bar. The integration of current affairs, such as the economic insights Masud brings as a banker, with traditional literary appreciation, makes PLF Houston a unique entity. The organizers of the event have proven that the diaspora is hungry for content that challenges the mind and touches the soul.

As Zafar Masud exited the stage at the PLF Houston, the applause was not just for a survivor, but for a teacher. The event had successfully facilitated a transmission of wisdom that will ripple through the community for years to come. The story of Seat 1C is now woven into the fabric of the Literature Festival, a permanent reminder of the fragility and beauty of life.

The Festival Phenomenon: A National Mosaic

In the heart of Pakistan’s cultural landscape, a literary renaissance is in full swing. What began as localized book fairs has transformed into a high-octane “festival season” that spans from the dusty plains of Sindh to the sprawling metropolis of Houston. These festivals have become more than just book launches; they are arenas for civic discourse, trauma processing, and the reclamation of the Pakistani narrative.

Pakistan’s literary scene is currently anchored by a series of flagship events that bridge the gap between regional identity and global intellectualism.

• The Big Three: The Karachi Literature Festival (KLF), Lahore Literary Festival (LLF), and Islamabad Literature Festival (ILF) remain the gold standards, attracting Nobel laureates and international thinkers.
• Regional Powerhouses: Festivals like the Hyderabad Literature Festival (HLF) and the Sindh Literature Festival (SLF) focus on preserving the “Beauty in Diversity,” highlighting indigenous languages and Sufi traditions.
• The Global Leap: The Pakistan Literature Festival (PLF), organized by the Arts Council of Pakistan and other international bodies, has successfully taken the conversation abroad, creating a cultural bridge for the diaspora.

Zafar Masud and the Literature Festivals

Amidst this intellectual surge, Zafar Masud, the President and CEO of the Bank of Punjab, has emerged as a singular voice. Since surviving the 2020 PIA plane crash, Masud has used the festival circuit to pivot from corporate leadership to cultural advocacy. His memoir, Seat 1C: A Survivor’s Tale of Hope, Resilience, and Renewal, has become the centerpiece of some of the most emotionally charged sessions in recent memory.

Key Festival Highlights

Masud’s involvement in these festivals often transcends traditional book readings, focusing instead on “Management by Empathy” and breaking the taboos surrounding mental health.