Dr.Asif Mahmood, a Pakistani-born physician and human rights advocate, has been unanimously elected as the chair of the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) for the 2026-27 term.The bipartisan U.S.federal body, which monitors global religious freedom and advises policymakers, announced his appointment alongside CeCe Heil as vice chair.

Mahmood, a practicing pulmonologist and philanthropist, has previously served as a two-term member of California’s Medical Board and is known for his humanitarian work in conflict zones like Kashmir and Tigray.His election underscores the growing influence of South Asian diaspora leaders in U.S.policy-making.

The USCIRF recently criticized India’s religious freedom conditions and called for sanctions against Pakistani officials, reflecting Mahmood’s focus on addressing systemic issues in countries with deteriorating religious freedoms.His advocacy also extends to supporting incarcerated former PM Imran Khan in the U.S., highlighting his role as a bridge between South Asian communities and American politics.