Pakistani-American physician and human rights advocate Dr Asif Mahmood has been elected Chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), a bipartisan federal body that monitors religious freedom worldwide and advises the US president, secretary of state, and Congress on related policy matters.
CeCe Heil was elected as the commission’s Vice Chair. USCIRF plays a key role in assessing global religious freedom conditions and making policy recommendations to the US government.
Dr Mahmood is a practicing pulmonologist, philanthropist, and human rights advocate. He has earned recognition for his humanitarian work in conflict-affected regions, including Kashmir and Tigray, where he has supported healthcare and relief efforts.
He also served two terms on the Medical Board of California, where he advocated for patients’ rights and worked to improve access to quality healthcare.
Following his election, Dr Mahmood said that growing threats to religious freedom around the world make USCIRF’s mission more important than ever. He emphasized the commission’s role in helping shape US policies aimed at protecting freedom of religion and belief.
In a post on X, Dr Mahmood described his appointment as “a remarkable journey” from a small rural village in Pakistan to leading one of the world’s leading institutions dedicated to defending religious freedom.
He pledged to advocate for the rights of people of all faiths, as well as those with no religious affiliation. He also reaffirmed his commitment to promoting human dignity, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence across communities.
Dr Mahmood was first appointed to USCIRF in 2024 by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and was reappointed for a second term in 2026. Before becoming chair, he served as the commission’s vice chair.
Having lived in California since 1999, Dr Mahmood’s election marks a significant milestone in his public service career and highlights the contributions of Pakistani-Americans in leadership roles within US institutions.
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