Pakistani-origin physician Asif Mahmood elected chair of US religious freedom commission

Dr. Asif Mahmood, a physician with Pakistani roots, has been elected chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF). This bipartisan federal body monitors global religious freedom and advises U.S. policymakers.

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Threats to international religious freedom are occurring every day, making USCIRF’s mandate to analyse and recommend policy solutions to the U.S. government key to advancing religious freedom abroad.

Mahmood, a practicing pulmonologist, human rights advocate, and philanthropist, was unanimously elected for the 2026-27 term, with CeCe Heil serving as vice chair. His global advocacy work has supported crisis-stricken regions, including Kashmir and Tigray. He has also championed patients' rights and access to medical coverage as a member of the Medical Board of California.

"Threats to international religious freedom are occurring every day, making USCIRF’s mandate to analyse and recommend policy solutions to the U.S. government key to advancing religious freedom abroad," Mahmood stated. He reflected on his journey from a rural Pakistani village to leading a prominent body focused on defending religious freedom and shaping U.S. foreign policy.

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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.

Mahmood, who has lived in California since 1999, was first appointed to USCIRF in 2024. His election comes as USCIRF has recently urged the U.S. State Department to designate India as a "country of particular concern" due to religious freedom conditions. The commission also highlighted deteriorating religious freedom in Pakistan and India in 2025, calling for sanctions against officials and agencies in both countries. Mahmood has also supported efforts for the release of former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan.

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Together, let us work toward a world where freedom of religion or belief, mutual respect, human dignity, and peaceful coexistence are protected for everyone.