Dr Asif Mahmood, a physician of Pakistani origin, has been unanimously elected chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) for the 2026-27 term.
The bipartisan federal commission monitors religious freedom worldwide and advises the US president, secretary of state, and Congress on related policy matters. CeCe Heil was elected vice chair.
A practicing pulmonologist, human rights advocate, and philanthropist, Mahmood has been recognized for his humanitarian work in conflict-affected regions, including Kashmir and Tigray. He also served two terms on the Medical Board of California, where he advocated for patients’ rights and expanded access to healthcare.
Following his election, Mahmood said growing threats to religious freedom worldwide make USCIRF’s mission more important than ever in shaping US policy to protect religious liberty.
In a post on X, he described his appointment as “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 and belief.
Mahmood pledged to advocate for the rights of people of all faiths, as well as those with no religious affiliation, while promoting human dignity, mutual respect, and peaceful coexistence.
He was first appointed to USCIRF in 2024 by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and reappointed for a second term in 2026. Mahmood previously served as the commission’s vice chair and has lived in California since 1999.
Get the latest international news and global stories wherever you prefer.
Add ProPakistani to Preferred Sources and see more of our stories in Google Search and Top Stories.
Shares
