The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) recently made headlines by appointing Asif Mahmood, a Pakistani-American activist, as one of its Commissioners. Mahmoods appointment raises concerns due to his history of spreading misinformation about Indias internal affairs under the guise of human rights advocacy.Asif Mahmood, self-proclaimed inter-faith community organizer and advocate for human rights campaigns in South Asia, has been appointed to the USCIRF, backed by his close association with the Democratic Party, particularly Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.Peddling falsehoods Mahmoods track record reveals a penchant for peddling anti-India propaganda, as seen in his baseless allegations linking India to the killing of Khalistani extremists in various countries. Despite lacking evidence, Mahmood persistently pushes unfounded conspiracy theories, echoing similar narratives from leftist media outlets.I am deeply humbled and joyously thrilled to be appointed to the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom #USIRFThis is not any less than a miracle for a little guy from very humble beginnings in rural Pakistan to serve on probably the most powerful body on…— Dr. Asif Mahmood (@DrMahmood40) May 17, 2024Misleading claims about IndiaMahmoods rhetoric extends to misleading claims about Indias domestic policies, such as falsely portraying the Uttar Pradesh governments actions regarding Islamic schools (madrassas) and misrepresenting the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) as discriminatory against Muslims. Mahmoods misinterpretation of the CAA as a tool for religious discrimination disregards its humanitarian intent to provide citizenship to persecuted religious minorities from neighboring Islamic nations. His inflammatory remarks during Ramadan reflect his biased narrative against Indias secular values.📢USCIRF welcomes the new appointments of Maureen Ferguson, Vicky Hartzler, and @DrMahmood40. USCIRF also welcomes the reappointments of @StephenSchneck and @EU4USCIRF. https://t.co/edZ0hQ3uCB— USCIRF (@USCIRF) May 17, 2024Ram Mandir controversyMahmoods criticism of Prime Minister Narendra Modis participation in the Ram Mandir inauguration ceremony in Ayodhya further underscores his agenda-driven narrative, suggesting a decline in Indias secular fabric.Pakistani Agenda on Jammu and KashmirIn line with his Pakistani heritage, the self-proclaimed human rights activist was observed echoing the viewpoints promoted by the Directorate of the Inter-Services Public Relations (DGISPR), advocating for the separation of the former state of Jammu and Kashmir from the Union of India.Expressing his sentiments on social media, Mahmood lamented what he perceived as a bleak day for democracy, justice, and the right to self-determination for the people of Kashmir. He urged the United States and other democratic nations to take notice of what he characterized as Indias encroachment on Kashmir.
