For the first time in its history, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has elected an American Pakistani to serve as its Vice Chair.
Speaking to this correspondent, Dr. Asif Mahmood expressed his humility at being “the first Muslim and South Asian on the leadership of the most powerful commission.”
Dr. Mahmood is a practicing physician, a dedicated human rights activist, an advocate for interracial and inter-faith community organization, and a philanthropist. He has spearheaded advocacy for numerous human rights campaigns, particularly those focused on South Asia.
From 2008 to 2016, Dr. Mahmood served as a Delegate for the Democratic National Convention and held various roles in presidential campaigns. He is currently a Board Member of Hope the Mission, recognized as one of California’s largest homeless shelters.
In 2022, Dr. Mahmood contested the Congressional election for the 40th District but was unsuccessful in defeating the incumbent Republican, Young Kim. He maintains strong relationships with former Vice President Kamala Harris, the Clintons, and influential congressional leaders.
Throughout his professional career, Dr. Asif has dedicated over 23 years as a physician and pulmonologist, assisting patients in overcoming their health challenges. He is also widely recognized for his extensive charity work.
“Working for freedom of religion or belief is as important now as it has ever been. It requires concerted efforts from across the political spectrum and USCIRF’s bipartisan composition places it at the core of those efforts,” stated Vice Chair Mahmood.
Dr. Mahmood further remarked, “We must not let up in our work to recommend and advocate for policy in the US government to help people live freely according to the dictates of their conscience. I look forward to continuing doing that with fellow Commissioners, including Commissioners Stephen Schneck and Meir Soloveichik.”
Dr. Mahmood’s appointment as Commissioner was made by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for a term set to expire in May 2026.
He holds the distinction of being a prominent American Democrat of Pakistani origin serving in such a leadership role during President Trump’s second term in office.
USCIRF Commissioners are appointed by the President and the leadership of both political parties in the Senate and House of Representatives. The Commission recently elected Vicky Hartzler as its Chair for the 2025-2026 term.
Other distinguished members serving on the Commission include Ariela Dubler, Maureen Ferguson, Mohamed Elsanousi, Stephen Schneck, and Meir Soloveichik.
Chair Hartzler was appointed to USCIRF in 2024 by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA). Prior to her appointment, she served as the congresswoman for Missouri’s fourth congressional district from 2011 to 2023. During her tenure in Congress, she was a member of the Congressional Executive Commission on China (CECC).
“USCIRF is a vital part of the United States foreign policy efforts to promote religious freedom. This human right is enshrined in both our own constitution and in international law, but even more fundamentally it is etched in the heart of every person,” affirmed Hartzler.
Hartzler continued, “It is an honor to serve as chair, and I will work with Vice Chair Mahmood and the other Commissioners continuing our bipartisan efforts to advance this right for everyone and everywhere abroad.”
Vice Chair Dr. Mahmood is widely regarded as a staunch critic of India, and his elevation to this leadership role has reportedly raised concerns in Delhi.
Recently, he contributed to the preparation of the annual report for 2025 concerning India, where the commission critically analyzed human rights violations and religious persecution under the Narendra Modi regime.
The report recommended to the Trump administration: “Impose targeted sanctions on individuals and entities, such as Vikash Yadav (who orchestrated foiled attempt to kill pro-Khalistan Indian American Gurpatwant Singh Pannun) and RAW, for their culpability in severe violations of religious freedom by freezing their assets and/or barring their entry into the United States.”
It also urged Washington to “Conduct a review assessing whether arms sales to India, such as MQ-9B Drones under Section 36 of the Arms Export Control Act, may contribute to or exacerbate religious freedom violations.”
These recommendations were supported by strong evidence of attacks against religious minorities, including Muslims and Christians. The report concluded that, “Throughout its 10 years in power, it (the BJP) has increasingly enforced sectarian policies seeking to establish India as an overtly Hindu state, in contrast with the secular principles of the constitution.”
This critical report was filed despite India enjoying good ties with both Democratic and Republican administrations.
However, given Dr. Mahmood’s background, it is anticipated that USCIRF will now push for further action against India sooner rather than later. He is respected for maintaining objectivity and impartiality beyond his identity as an American Pakistani Democrat.
