The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) has picked an American Pakistani to serve as its vice chair for the first time in its history.
“I feel very humbled to be the first Muslim and South Asian on the leadership of the most powerful commission,” Dr. Asif Mahmood stated in an interview with this scribe.
Mahmood is a philanthropist, human rights advocate, and organizer of the interracial and interfaith communities. He spearheaded the support of numerous South Asian human rights initiatives.
Dr. Mahmood served in a variety of capacities during presidential elections and served as a Delegate to the Democratic National Convention from 2008 to 2016. He currently serves on the board of Hope the Mission, one of California’s biggest shelters for the homeless.
