SSGC’s Corporate Communication Department (CCD) launched an exclusive speakers’ session entitled ‘Pinnacle-Talks’ in front of a packed house in its head office auditorium. Pinnacle Talks is designed to feature high-profile personalities who will share their success stories with SSGC’s employees. The inaugural session of Pinnacle-Talks featured Mr. Zafar Masud, President and CEO of Bank of Punjab. One of Pakistan’s most accomplished business leaders, with around 30 years of proven succession development finance, energy, corporate governance, and management, Mr. Masud wrote ‘SEAT IC’, an inspiring book based on the ordeal of PIA’s flight 8303 crash in Karachi on May 22, 2020 in which he miraculously escaped death along with a young man named Zubair.
This first session of Pinnacle Talks began with a welcome address by SSGC’s Chairperson, Dr. Shamshad Akhtar, who described Mr. Masud as a true Pakistani and a visionary banker whose career has been on an upward trajectory since he started his career in 1993. She said that it is indeed inspiring to note that after surviving an ordeal in which he miraculously survived, Mr. Masud authored a book in which he has expressively talked about grappling with the shock and weight of survival while embarking on a painful journey of physical recovery. It is never easy, but one needs to give credit to Mr. Zafar for sharing the lessons he has learned with his readers, she added. She also welcomed his uncle, the former banker Mr. Anwer Saeed, as well as other guests and the top brass of the Bank of Punjab, who graced the occasion.
The chairperson’s speech was followed by the formal launch of Pinnacle-Talks, accompanied by a specially produced promotional video. A short video developed by CCD was also played to honour Mr. Zafar Masud’s resilience as an exceptional example of someone who has reached the pinnacle of his career through sheer commitment and vision. Throughout the event, the book’s publisher, at the Company’s request, set up a table in the Head Office atrium area to offer SSGC’s employees the opportunity to purchase the book at a discounted price.
CCD’s ADG, M. Syed Imran Ahmed, efficiently played the role of a moderator in a one-to-one exclusive session with Mr. Zafar Masud. During this one-to-one session, Mr. Masud took the audience back to that fateful day of May 22 by recalling his feelings and thoughts that he experienced just moments before the crash and afterwards. He sounded emotional as he remembered that not only did he unbelievably survive the collision that sadly took the lives of 97 fellow passengers, but also went on to embrace a second chance in life with newfound wisdom and gratitude. Mr. Masud recollected that just before the landing, he was feeling too excited to meet his parents and other family members, as he was returning to Karachi for Eid celebrations for the first time after completing the first five weeks of his appointment as Head of the Bank of Punjab. It was Jumma-tul-Widaa, a day of special significance for Muslims, he recalled. Mr. Masud said that his survival is indeed a miracle, as he changed his seat from 1A (window side) to 1C (aisle) a few minutes before the special flight departed, which PIA had offered due to the increasing number of passengers rushing back to Karachi to celebrate Eid.
He asked readers of his book not to read it as a ‘self-help book’ nor exactly a prescription of ‘dos and don’ts’ but to see it as a labour of love and a catharsis of sorts. He said that ‘Seat 1C’ tells the story of survival while also presenting questions about the meaning of life and human attributes. Mr. Masud said that the book comprises 10 chapters, with each focusing on lessons in life before and after the crash. “If this book succeeds in reducing their suspicion towards the world, even a tinge, it will achieve its objective,” he remarked.
In his vote of thanks, SSGC’s Acting Managing Director, Mr. Amin Rajput, expressed his gratitude to Mr. Zafar Masud for delivering an insightful talk to the audience and stated that it was indeed heart-warming to listen to him share his experience of the ordeal. He said that he is confident that after hearing Mr. Masud, many of us will now be motivated towards purchasing this book, which is available outside the hall, to understand the in-depth storytelling of this fateful miracle from the prodigy himself. He also thanked Mr. Masud’s associates and friends from the banking sector, as well as the top officials of the Bank of Punjab, who took the time to participate in this session. Mr. Rajput also congratulated Group General Manager Corporate Communications, Mr. Shahid Shaikh, and his agile team for launching Pinnacle-Talks with such an eminent personality. He anticipated that this forum would feature high achievers from diverse walks of life who have attracted global recognition and are a source of pride for Pakistan.
SSGC’s chairperson and AMD presented Mr. Zafar Masud with a shield along with the Company’s souvenirs. The event concluded with a group photograph, after which guests were served sumptuous tea. It is anticipated that, with time, Pinnacle Talks will evolve into an insightful forum for productive dialogue, debate, and discussion, featuring high achievers from diverse walks of life.
