Writing a book about a near-death experience (NDE) can be a profoundly transformative and healing act for the individual who has lived through such an event and for readers who encounter such life-altering true stories. Zafar Masud, a Karachi-based development and social impact-focused banker, public sector expert, and entrepreneur with decades of professional experience, is one of those who dare write about their near-death experiences in detail through a personal prism and go much beyond their individual experiences in order to portray the collective tragedy that paves the way for such events only to occur time and again.
The book ‘SEAT 1C: A Survivor’s Tale of Hope, Resilience, and Renewal’ is a powerful recount of the author’s survival of a plane crash in May 2020, an event that left him with physical scars and emotional trauma. Over and above personal healing and understanding, the prime intent of the book is to process and make sense of what happened for the collective good. The author, Zafar Masud, from the word go, breaks the needless silence using the purpose-written book as an outlet to express something that might not fit into conventional understandings of life, death, or existence. Yet, he goes the extra mile to normalize the conversation around such experiences and break the isolation that can accompany them.
At its core, SEAT 1C is a story of survival. The author, Zafar Masud, who was seated in seat 1C when the plane crashed, emerged as the survivor of the flight along with another young 28-year passenger, Muhammad Zubair. However, the author’s story goes deeper beyond the harrowing personal narrative, serving as a stark indictment of the systemic issues plaguing Pakistan’s aviation industry. Through his reflections and experiences, He shines a light on the broader institutional failures — corruption, nepotism, political interference, and professional incompetence — that directly contribute to aviation accidents and the hefty death toll that comes with them. More importantly, the book offers a poignant insight into the mental and emotional consequences of surviving such a catastrophic event, as well as the resilience and capacity for renewal that can emerge from such devastation.
An impassioned critique of Pakistan’s aviation industry, the author’s recollections of the crash itself are raw and emotional, describing the chaos, the fear, and the near-miraculous escape from the clutches of death. His ability to recount his near-death experience is a testament to his resilience. Yet, what sets his story apart from other crash survivors’ narratives is his ability to weave the personal account with the collective downfall, using his harrowing ordeal as a lens through which he examines the failings of the aviation sector in Pakistan.
A significant theme that runs through SEAT 1C is the exploration of institutional incompetence and corruption in the aviation industry. Besides telling his personal story, the author highlights the broader context of the crash. The book discusses the pervasive culture of nepotism, mismanagement, and political interference that cripples Pakistan’s national airline, PIA, and other public institutions. The author carefully illustrates how these factors are not isolated but are rather deeply entrenched in the very fabric of the country’s aviation policies. In the author’s view, the crash is a direct result of these systemic issues — from undertrained pilots to poorly maintained aircraft and regulatory bodies that turn a blind eye to safety standards in exchange for personal gain.
Aimed at expanding awareness, the book is moving and inspiring. It contributes to the broader conversation around one’s search for meaning, creating a bridge between modern-day experiences, age-old wisdom, and divine guidance. It provides deep insight into what is truly important in life. It is ideal for those searching for their own purpose or struggling with existential questions and finding it challenging to connect more deeply with humanity. The book is undoubtedly a source of healing, inspiration, and spiritual growth for both the writer and the readers. To help it reach more readers, a book of this significance merits its translation into other languages, particularly Urdu.
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