06/20/2026
Pakistani-American Community Hosts Interactive Session with Bank of Punjab President Zafar Masud
Members of the Pakistani-American community gathered at the residence of prominent businessman and community leader Dr. Abid Sheikh for an interactive session with Mr. Zafar Masud, President of the Bank of Punjab and author of the acclaimed book Seat 1C.
The event was attended by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Consul General of Pakistan in New York, Mr. Aamer Ahmed Atozai, business leaders, professionals, and members of the Pakistani-American community.
Welcoming the guests, Dr. Abid Sheikh highlighted Mr. Masud’s distinguished career in Pakistan’s financial sector and commended his book Seat 1C for its powerful reflections on resilience, leadership, gratitude, and purpose. He noted that the book offers valuable lessons that resonate far beyond the circumstances of the tragic PIA Flight 8303 crash from which Mr. Masud emerged as one of only two survivors.
In their remarks, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh and Consul General Aamer Ahmed Atozai appreciated Mr. Masud’s contributions to Pakistan’s banking and financial sector and praised his ability to transform a deeply personal experience into a source of inspiration and learning for others. They also acknowledged the important role played by the Pakistani-American community in promoting Pakistan’s positive image and strengthening Pakistan–United States ties.
Addressing the gathering, Mr. Zafar Masud shared insights from his professional journey and discussed key themes from Seat 1C. Reflecting on his experience, he spoke about resilience in the face of adversity, the importance of purposeful leadership, and the lessons that emerge from life’s most challenging moments.
The event concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session, followed by an informal interaction between Mr. Masud and members of the community.
New York
20 June 2026
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