Pakistani-American physician Dr. Asif Mahmood has been unanimously elected Chair of the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), becoming the first Pakistani-American and the first South Asian to hold the position.
Dr. Mahmood previously served as the commission’s Vice Chair. He was reappointed for a second term in May 2026, with his current tenure extending until May 14, 2028.
In an earlier interview with Geo News, he described it as a great honor to become the first Pakistani, the first Muslim and the first Asian to serve a second consecutive term with the commission.
The USCIRF is an independent advisory body established by the US Congress in 1998 during President Bill Clinton’s administration. It provides recommendations on international religious freedom to the White House, the State Department and Congress.
According to the report, the commission’s nine members are appointed by the US President or senior leaders of both major political parties in Congress. Dr. Mahmood’s latest appointment was made by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
The report also noted that Dr. Mahmood contributed to a critical assessment of religious freedom in India last year, raising concerns over issues including the situation in Indian-administered Kashmir.
USCIRF’s annual report recommended that the US administration further assess religious freedom conditions in India and consider additional policy measures.
Originally from Kharian in Pakistan’s Punjab province, Dr. Mahmood graduated from Sindh Medical College before moving to the United States. He completed his residency at the University of Kentucky Medical Center and a pulmonary fellowship at Columbia University’s Harlem Hospital.
He also serves on the California Medical Board and is associated with several medical, humanitarian and social organizations. He has received the Humanitarian Award from the California Hospital Association for his public service.
