Pakistani-American physician and human rights advocate Dr Asif Mahmood has been unanimously elected as the Chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), becoming the first South Asian to lead the independent bipartisan federal advisory body.
Dr Mahmood previously served as the commission’s vice chair and was reappointed for a second term in May 2026, extending his tenure until May 14, 2028.
In his acceptance statement, Dr Mahmood described his election as a deeply humbling milestone.
“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,” he said.
He added that his commitment is to protect the rights of people of all faiths, as well as those with no religious affiliation, while promoting human dignity and peaceful coexistence.
What Is USCIRF?
Established in 1998 under legislation signed by former US President Bill Clinton, the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent, bipartisan advisory commission that monitors religious freedom around the world.
The commission submits policy recommendations and annual reports to the White House, the US Department of State, and Congress, making it one of the US government’s principal advisory bodies on international religious freedom.
USCIRF consists of nine commissioners, appointed by the US president and congressional leaders from both the Democratic and Republican parties.
Dr Mahmood was reappointed to the commission by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Previous Role and Public Service
Following his reappointment earlier this year, Dr Mahmood told Geo News that he was proud to become the first Pakistani, first Muslim and first Asian American to serve consecutive terms on the commission.
Political observers have described his election as chair as particularly significant because of his Democratic Party affiliation while serving during the Trump administration.
He succeeds former Missouri congresswoman Vicky Hartzler as chair of the commission.
Advocacy on Religious Freedom
Dr Mahmood has played a prominent role in USCIRF’s work on global religious freedom issues.
Last year, he helped prepare a commission report highlighting alleged violations of religious freedom and the treatment of religious minorities in India.
During a USCIRF hearing in May, he also raised concerns about authorities in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) collecting information on mosque imams and recommended that India be designated a “Country of Particular Concern” over alleged serious religious freedom violations.
The commission’s annual report further recommended that the US administration encourage India to allow independent assessments of religious freedom and proposed targeted measures against individuals and organisations found responsible for severe violations.
Political and Professional Background
Dr Mahmood has remained active in American public life for several years.
In 2022, he contested California’s 40th Congressional District as the Democratic nominee but was defeated by Republican incumbent Young Kim.
Earlier, in 2018, he also ran for California Insurance Commissioner, receiving approximately 850,000 votes, according to Ballotpedia.
US Congressman Brad Sherman previously said Dr Mahmood had received more votes than any Muslim candidate in US electoral history at that time.
Medical Career and Pakistani Roots
Originally from Kharian in Pakistan’s Punjab province, Dr Mahmood earned his medical degree from Sindh Medical College before moving to the United States.
He completed his medical residency at the University of Kentucky Medical Center and later pursued a pulmonary fellowship at Harlem Hospital, affiliated with Columbia University.
A pulmonologist by profession, he currently serves on the Medical Board of California, having been appointed by Governor Gavin Newsom in January 2023. His current term runs through 2027.
Humanitarian Work
Beyond medicine and public service, Dr Mahmood is widely recognised for his humanitarian efforts.
He received the California Hospital Association’s Humanitarian Award for his contributions to healthcare and has served on the boards of the Organisation for Social Media Safety, the East Los Angeles College Foundation, and has also been associated with UNICEF.
Within the Pasadena community, he is known for providing free medical treatment to patients unable to afford healthcare, a commitment that has earned him widespread respect alongside his work in public policy and human rights.
