For the first time in its history, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has elected an American Pakistani as its vice chair.
Talking to this scribe, Dr Asif Mahmood said, “I feel very humbled to be the first Muslim and South Asian on the leadership of the most powerful commission”.
Mahmood is a practicing physician, human rights activist, interracial and inter-faith community organiser, and philanthropist. He led the advocacy for many human rights campaigns focused on South Asia.
Dr Mahmood was also a Delegate for the Democratic National Convention from 2008 to 2016 and held many roles in presidential campaigns. Currently, he is also a Board Member of Hope the Mission, one of the largest homeless shelters in California.
In 2022, Dr Mahmood had contested Congressional election for 40TH District but failed to beat incumbent Republican Young Kim. He enjoys good ties with former Vice President Kamala Harris, the Clintons and congressional leaders.
Dr Asif has spent all his professional life as a physician and pulmonologist helping people. For more than 23 years, he has helped patients overcome their health challenges. He is also known for his charity work as well.
“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,” said Vice Chair Mahmood.
“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,” remarked Dr Mahmood.
Dr Mahmood was appointed as Commissioner by House Minority leader Hakeem Jeffries for a term expiring in May 2026.
He is the top American Democrat Pakistani who is serving in such a leadership role during President Trump second term in office.
USCIRF Commissioners are appointed by the president and leadership of both political parties in the Senate and House of Representatives. The Commission has elected Vicky Hartzler as its Chair for 2025-2026.
Also serving on the Commission are Ariela Dubler, Maureen Ferguson, Mohamed Elsanousi, Stephen Schneck, and Meir Soloveichik.
Chair Hartzler was appointed to USCIRF by Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) in 2024. Prior to her appointment, she served as the congresswoman for Missouri’s fourth congressional district from 2011 to 2023. While in Congress she served on 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,” said Hartzler.
“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,” continued Hartzler.
Vice Chair Dr Mahmood is considered a staunch critic of India. And many eye brows are raised in Delhi upon his elevation to this leadership role.
Recently, he had helped prepare annual report 2025 against India where the commission critically analysed human rights violation and religious persecution by Narendra Modi regime.
‘’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,’’ the report had recommended to the Trump administration.
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 made by citing strong evidence of attacks against religious minorities including Muslims and Christians. ‘’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, the report concluded.
The critical report was filed despite India enjoying good ties with both Democratic and Republican administrations.
However, based on Dr Mahmood’s background, it is expected that USCIRF will now stress for further action against India sooner than later. After all, he is respected more for remaining objective and unbiased than being an American Pakistani Democrat.
