From Plane Crash to Policy I Pakistan’s Fiscal Future, Survival, Reform & Financial Innovation
In this powerful episode of SIA Conversations, Dr. Nadeem Ul Haque is joined by Zafar Masud, the CEO of Bank of Punjab and author of “Seat One C”. They dive into a wide-ranging discussion on personal transformation, economic reform, human development, and the future of Pakistan’s financial systems.
Zafar Masud’s Plane Crash & the Birth of “Seat One C”
Zafar Masud shares the incredible story behind surviving the tragic PIA plane crash and how it inspired his book Seat One C. The book blends leadership, personal growth, history, and philosophy — offering deep reflections on adversity, humility, and purpose.
Learning From Adversity in Education
The conversation transitions into the importance of building character through adversity. Zafar explains his 10 key life lessons — ranging from sincerity to communication — and why soft skills must be embedded in Pakistan’s education system to restore humanity, culture, and inclusiveness.
Defining Excellence & Institutionalizing Charity
They question what true excellence means and how society measures it. The duo explores how institutionalizing philanthropy and embedding educational values can make both society and businesses more sustainable and purpose-driven.
Pakistan’s Economic Mess & the Productivity Problem
Zafar outlines why Pakistan’s economy suffers from low productivity and misplaced focus on rigid rule-based structures. He argues that social norms and civic responsibility must evolve alongside regulatory reforms to truly change outcomes.
Structural Reforms & Fiscal Health
From broken tax policies to bloated regulatory bodies, Zafar and Nadeem dissect the reforms Pakistan desperately needs — including equitable taxation, deregulation, and rationalizing the roles of the public sector.
Unlocking Growth Through Securitization
They propose turning public assets like railway stations, ports, and real estate into revenue-generating opportunities through securitization and bond markets — shifting from debt dependency to wealth creation.
Human Resource Crisis & Bureaucracy Bottlenecks
Zafar shares how capable bureaucrats are being suppressed by systemic inefficiencies. They discuss mindset shifts and the need to empower institutions and individuals alike for genuine economic revival.
Pakistan’s Weak Takeover Culture & Financial Market Gaps
Why aren’t Pakistani businesses growing through takeovers? Zafar calls out the lack of incentives, level playing fields, and a weak regulatory ecosystem that discourage competitive market behavior.
Risk, Innovation & the Future of Banking
They close with a challenge to the financial sector: take risks, innovate, and stop playing it safe. Zafar urges banks to think long-term, engage with the human condition, and evolve with a rapidly changing economy.
This isn’t just a podcast. It’s a masterclass in leadership, economy, philosophy, and national renewal.