WASHINGTON: Pakistani-American physician and human rights advocate Dr Asif Mahmood has been unanimously elected Chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), becoming the first South Asian to head the bipartisan federal advisory body.
Dr Mahmood, who previously served as the commission’s vice chair, said he was deeply honoured to take on the new role and pledged to continue advocating for religious freedom and human dignity worldwide.
“I am deeply humbled and honoured to serve as Chair of the USCIRF. It is a remarkable journey — from a small rural village in Pakistan to leading one of the world’s foremost bodies dedicated to defending freedom of religion or belief and shaping US foreign policy in accordance with human rights globally,” he said in his acceptance statement.
He said his mission would be to defend the rights of all people, regardless of faith or belief. “My commitment is to advocate for the rights of every person: those of all faiths and those who choose no faith at all. Together, let us work towards a world where freedom of religion or belief, mutual respect, human dignity and peaceful coexistence are protected for everyone,” Dr Mahmood added.
Dr Mahmood was reappointed as a USCIRF commissioner for a second term in May 2026, extending his tenure until May 14, 2028. He had been serving on the commission for more than two years before being elected chair.
Following his reappointment, he described the honour as a significant milestone, saying he was “the first Pakistani, the first Muslim and the first Asian-American to serve consecutive terms on the commission”.
Established in 1998 through legislation signed by former US President Bill Clinton, USCIRF is an independent bipartisan advisory commission that monitors religious freedom conditions across the world. Its recommendations are submitted to the White House, the US Department of State and Congress.
The commission comprises nine members appointed by the US president and congressional leaders from both major political parties. Dr Mahmood was reappointed by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
His election as chair has drawn attention because of his Democratic affiliation and his appointment during the administration of President Donald Trump. He succeeds former Missouri congresswoman Vicky Hartzler, who previously served as chair of the commission.
Dr Mahmood’s role is also expected to attract interest in India, where his previous work on religious freedom issues has been a subject of debate.
USCIRF’s report raises concerns over treatment of religious minorities in India
Last year, he played a prominent role in preparing a USCIRF report that raised concerns over alleged violations of religious freedom and the treatment of religious minorities in India during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure.
During a USCIRF hearing in May, Dr Mahmood alleged that authorities in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir had collected information on mosque imams and called for India to be designated a “Country of Particular Concern” over serious religious freedom concerns.
The commission’s annual report recommended that the US administration encourage India to allow independent assessments of religious freedom conditions by USCIRF and the State Department. It also proposed targeted measures against individuals and organisations accused of severe violations.
Beyond his work at USCIRF, Dr Mahmood has been active in US politics. He contested California’s 40th Congressional District election in 2022 as the Democratic nominee, securing 122,722 votes against Republican incumbent Young Kim, who retained the seat with 161,589 votes.
In 2018, he also ran for California Insurance Commissioner and received around 850,000 votes, according to Ballotpedia. Although unsuccessful, his campaign was described by Congressman Brad Sherman as having secured the highest vote count by a Muslim candidate in a US election at that time.
A resident of Bradbury, California, Dr Mahmood is a pulmonologist and a prominent advocate for human rights. Originally from Kharian in Pakistan’s Punjab province, he graduated from Sindh Medical College before moving to the United States.
He completed his residency at the University of Kentucky Medical Center and later undertook a pulmonary fellowship at Harlem Hospital, affiliated with Columbia University.
Dr Mahmood also serves on the Medical Board of California after being appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom in January 2023. His current term runs until 2027.
Recognised for his humanitarian contributions, he received the Humanitarian Award from the California Hospital Association, which represents more than 500 hospitals.
He has also served on the boards of the Organisation for Social Media Safety and the East Los Angeles College Foundation and has been associated with UNICEF.
In the Pasadena community, Dr Mahmood is known for providing free medical care to patients unable to afford treatment, earning recognition for his medical service, humanitarian efforts and public advocacy.
