ISLAMABAD: The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has chosen an American Pakistani, Dr. Asif Mahmood, as its vice chair for the first time in its history.
In a conversation, Dr. Mahmood said, “I am honored to be the first Muslim and South Asian in a leadership role on this important commission.”
Dr. Mahmood is a physician, human rights advocate, community organizer for interracial and interfaith groups, and philanthropist. He has led efforts to support human rights campaigns, especially in South Asia.
He served as a delegate for the Democratic National Convention from 2008 to 2016 and took part in several presidential campaigns. Currently, he is a board member of Hope the Mission, a large homeless shelter in California.
In 2022, Dr. Mahmood ran for Congress in California’s 40th District but lost to Republican Young Kim. He has close connections with former Vice President Kamala Harris, the Clintons, and congressional leaders.
Dr. Mahmood has worked as a physician and pulmonologist for over 23 years, helping patients with their health issues. He is also recognized for his charity work.
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“Promoting freedom of religion or belief is very important today. It needs support from all political sides, and USCIRF’s bipartisan setup helps make that happen,” said Vice Chair Mahmood.
“We must keep pushing for policies in the U.S. government to help people live according to their beliefs. I look forward to working with Commissioners Stephen Schneck, Meir Soloveichik, and others,” Dr. Mahmood added.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries appointed Dr. Mahmood as a commissioner for a term ending in May 2026. He is the first American Pakistani Democrat to serve in such a leadership role during President Trump’s second term.
USCIRF commissioners are appointed by the president and leaders of both political parties in the Senate and House. The commission selected Vicky Hartzler as its chair for 2025-2026.
Other commissioners include Ariela Dubler, Maureen Ferguson, Mohamed Elsanousi, Stephen Schneck, and Meir Soloveichik.
Chair Hartzler was appointed to USCIRF by Speaker Mike Johnson in 2024. She previously served as a congresswoman for Missouri’s fourth district from 2011 to 2023 and was part of the Congressional Executive Commission on China.
“USCIRF plays a key role in U.S. foreign policy to promote religious freedom. This right is part of our constitution, international law, and is important to everyone,” said Hartzler.
“It is an honor to serve as chair. I will work with Vice Chair Mahmood and other commissioners to continue our bipartisan efforts to support this right worldwide,” Hartzler added. Dr. Mahmood is known for his criticism of India, and his new role has raised concerns in Delhi.
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Recently, he helped prepare the USCIRF’s 2025 annual report, which examined human rights violations and religious persecution under India’s Narendra Modi government.
The report suggested that the Trump administration impose sanctions on individuals and entities, like Vikash Yadav and RAW, for their role in religious freedom violations by freezing their assets or barring them from entering the U.S.
It also recommended reviewing arms sales to India, such as MQ-9B drones, to check if they contribute to religious freedom violations.
The report pointed to evidence of attacks on religious minorities, including Muslims and Christians, stating that the BJP has enforced policies to make India a Hindu state, going against its secular constitution. Despite India’s good relations with both Democratic and Republican administrations, the report was critical.
Given Dr. Mahmood’s background, USCIRF is expected to push for more action against India. He is respected for being objective and unbiased, beyond his identity as an American Pakistani Democrat.
