Digital Phablet

Tag: religious freedom

  • Pakistani-American Named Chair of US Religious Freedom Panel

    Pakistani-American Named Chair of US Religious Freedom Panel

    Pakistani-American doctor and human rights advocate Dr. Asif Mahmood has been elected unanimously as chair of the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), making history as the first South Asian to lead the bipartisan federal advisory group.

    “I am sincerely honored to serve as USCIRF Chair. This journey—from a small village in Pakistan to leading one of the world’s top organizations dedicated to defending religious freedom and influencing U.S. foreign policy aligned with human rights—is truly inspiring,” Dr. Mahmood stated after accepting the position.

    He emphasized his dedication to advocating for the rights of all individuals, regardless of faith or choice to have no faith. “Let’s work together towards a world where religious freedom, mutual respect, human dignity, and peaceful coexistence are protected for everyone,” he added.

    Having previously served as vice chair of the commission, Dr. Mahmood was reappointed for a second term in May 2026, extending his service through May 14, 2028. He has been a commissioner for over two years.

    In an interview with Geo News, he described his reappointment as a significant honor, highlighting that he is the first Pakistani, Muslim, and Asian American to serve consecutive terms on the USCIRF.

    Founded in 1998 through legislation signed by then-President Bill Clinton, USCIRF operates as an independent, bipartisan body that monitors religious freedom worldwide. Its findings and policy suggestions are presented to the White House, U.S. Department of State, and Congress, making it a key advisory entity on global religious liberties.

    The commission comprises nine members appointed by the U.S. president and leaders from both major political parties in Congress. Dr. Mahmood was reappointed by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

    His election as chair is notable given his Democratic Party affiliation and the fact that his appointment occurred during the Trump administration. He succeeded Vicky Hartzler, a former U.S. representative from Missouri, who previously led the commission.

    His appointment has also attracted attention in India, where his prior work has sparked debate. Last year, he led a highly critical USCIRF report detailing alleged violations of religious freedom and mistreatment of minorities under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government.

    During a May hearing, Dr. Mahmood urged that India be designated a “Country of Particular Concern” owing to severe religious freedom violations. The report recommended pressing India to allow independent U.S. assessments and called for sanctions against its intelligence agency, RAW, and the nationalist Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

    Additionally, USCIRF suggested freezing assets of officials responsible for major religious rights abuses, banning their U.S. entry, and tying U.S. aid and trade policies to measurable improvements in religious freedom there.

    A close associate of senior Democratic figures, including members of the Clinton family and Vice President Kamala Harris, Dr. Mahmood also ran for California’s 40th Congressional District in 2022. Although he did not win, he garnered over 122,000 votes, more than any Muslim candidate in U.S. history at that time. His previous bid for California Insurance Commissioner in 2018 drew about 850,000 votes but was unsuccessful.

    Residing in Bradbury, California, Dr. Mahmood is a pulmonologist renowned for his advocacy on human rights. Originally from Kharian in Pakistan’s Punjab province, he earned his medical degree from Sindh Medical College before emigrating to the U.S. He completed residencies at the University of Kentucky Medical Center and a pulmonary fellowship at Harlem Hospital affiliated with Columbia University.

    He was appointed to the California Medical Board in 2023 by Governor Gavin Newsom, with his term lasting until 2027. Recognized for his humanitarian work, he received the Humanitarian Award from the California Hospital Association in 2021, which represents more than 500 hospitals.

    Dr. Mahmood also serves on the boards of the Organization for Social Media Safety and the East Los Angeles College Foundation, has worked with UNICEF, and is known in his community for providing free medical services to uninsured patients, earning widespread respect beyond his public service roles.

  • Amnesty, Politicians, and Journalists Criticize Bihar CM

    Amnesty, Politicians, and Journalists Criticize Bihar CM

    Amnesty International, Indian politicians, and other human rights organizations have strongly condemned Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar for forcibly removing the hijab of Nusrat Parveen, a newly hired Muslim doctor, during an official event. This incident occurred a day earlier at the chief minister’s secretariat, where appointment letters were being handed out to newly recruited doctors.

    Aakar Patel, chair of Amnesty India’s board, described the action as an assault on the woman’s dignity, autonomy, and identity. He emphasized that when a public official forcibly pulls off a woman’s hijab, it signals to the public that such behavior is acceptable. Patel reiterated that no one has the right to police a woman’s faith or clothing. Such actions, he warned, foster fear, normalize discrimination, and undermine the core principles of equality and religious freedom.

    He called for unequivocal condemnation and accountability, urging immediate measures to prevent similar degrading treatment of women. The incident sparked widespread outrage across the country, prompting calls for legal action against Kumar for humiliation of a Muslim woman. Political figures, journalists, and human rights advocates labeled the event as disgraceful. The opposition Congress described Kumar’s conduct as “unforgivable,” and Mehbooba Mufti, former chief minister of Indian-administered Jammu and Kashmir, demanded that he resign immediately.

    Akhilesh Yadav of the Samajwadi Party described the act as “shameful,” while journalist Mohammad Zubair commented that Kumar’s actions reflect a harmful level of ignorance if he was fully conscious. Scholar Ashok Swain commented on social media that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s perceived Islamophobia and rudeness in India appear to have received official endorsement. Deepika Pushkar Nath, a human rights activist, characterized the incident as a serious case of sexual harassment.

    Evidence of rising religious intolerance in India has been mounting, with hate crimes against minorities notably increasing during Modi’s tenure. A recent U.S. report recommended designating India as a country of “special concern,” citing religious prejudice and severe violations of religious freedoms. The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom highlighted systemic discrimination by Modi’s government and the RSS, the Hindu nationalist organization, asserting that policies favor Hindu supremacy and marginalize minorities, especially Muslims and Sikhs. The report underscored that the BJP’s Hindutva ideology promotes discriminatory practices aligned with extremist agendas.

  • CAIR sues Texas governor over ‘terrorist’ label designation

    CAIR sues Texas governor over ‘terrorist’ label designation

    The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), one of the nation’s leading Muslim civil rights groups, filed a federal lawsuit Thursday against Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Attorney General Ken Paxton. The lawsuit aims to prevent the enforcement of a gubernatorial order labeling CAIR as a “foreign terrorist organization” and prohibiting it from purchasing land within the state.

    This legal action was jointly filed by CAIR’s chapters in Dallas–Fort Worth and Austin and marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict between the state government and the Muslim civil rights community.

    CAIR argues that Governor Abbott acted without prior notice, evidence, or a chance for the organization to present its case, effectively branding a longstanding nonprofit as a terrorist group in violation of federal and state laws. The lawsuit asserts that the authority to designate foreign terrorist organizations rests solely with the U.S. Secretary of State, and that the governor’s unilateral decision oversteps constitutional boundaries and exceeds state authority.

    Additionally, the suit claims Abbott’s proclamation infringes on CAIR’s rights under the Fourteenth Amendment by damaging its reputation and property interests, and violates the First Amendment’s protections of free speech by targeting the organization’s political criticisms, especially its longstanding opposition to Israeli government policies.

    In response to the lawsuit, Abbott issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter), promising that the legal challenge would “expose all of their financial activities and dealings,” and suggesting that Attorney General Paxton “will have a great day” once the organization’s records are examined.

    Just a day after the proclamation, Abbott also sent a separate letter instructing criminal investigations into what he describes as “Sharia courts” operating in Collin and Dallas counties. He claims these are Muslim mediation groups acting as courts and implementing Islamic law—a charge strongly denied by CAIR and other community organizations. Abbott directed district attorneys, county sheriffs, Paxton, and state safety officials to investigate these activities.

    Meanwhile, the Islamic Tribunal—one of the groups mentioned—clarified on its website that it is not a law firm or a judicial entity, nor are its members attorneys. The group states it provides voluntary mediation and arbitration based on Islamic principles, with all proceedings conducted in accordance with federal, state, and local laws. It emphasizes that no binding decisions are made unless officially recognized by a court.

    The tribunal also pointed out that Muslim, Christian, and Jewish communities across the U.S. use voluntary mediation systems that coexist with, but do not replace, official courts.

    Abbott’s recent actions follow his remarks equating CAIR and the Muslim Brotherhood with foreign terrorist organizations—a claim CAIR Texas dismisses as an “Islamophobic conspiracy theory.” CAIR insists that Americans have a constitutional right to pursue voluntary religious mediation, with only state courts holding legal authority to enforce judgments.

    Charlie Swift, an attorney with the Muslim Legal Fund of America, criticized Abbott’s actions as unconstitutional and predicted the proclamation would fail in court. CAIR’s General Counsel Lena Masri noted that the organization has previously defeated Abbott multiple times in First Amendment suits and expressed confidence that they would succeed again.

    CAIR-Texas added that the governor seems to be targeting U.S. Muslims influenced by “Israel First politics” and vowed to continue defending their constitutional rights without fear or intimidation.

    The lawsuit describes Abbott’s assertions as false, defamatory, and unsupported under Texas law, emphasizing that CAIR is an independent U.S.-based nonprofit unaffiliated with any foreign groups. The organization seeks an injunction to halt the implementation of Abbott’s order and damages for the harm caused by the designation.

    The dispute has grown into a major constitutional and political confrontation in Texas, with potential implications that could influence Muslim civil rights across the country.

  • Kirk Honored as US Martyr at Arizona Memorial Merging Faith and Politics

    Kirk Honored as US Martyr at Arizona Memorial Merging Faith and Politics

    A screen displays US Vice President JD Vance giving a speech while attendees gather for a memorial service honoring the late conservative commentator Charlie Kirk at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, September 21, 2025.— Reuters

    – Security was heightened as the memorial drew more than 63,000 attendees.
    – Trump delivered a speech portraying Charlie Kirk as a martyr for conservative values.
    – Friends and supporters believe Kirk died defending political and religious freedoms.

    Some individuals called Charlie Kirk a modern-day martyr. Others view his death as a defining moment for the United States.

    The powerful combination of political and religious themes at the memorial suggested that Kirk’s killing had transformed him into a symbolic figure for conservatives nationwide.

    The event at State Farm Stadium outside Phoenix featured some of the country’s most influential political and religious leaders, including President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance, Kirk’s widow Erika, and many others. The event’s scale, emotional charge, and patriotic display surpassed many of Trump’s own campaign rallies last year.

    Yet, the significance of Kirk’s death — after he was shot on a Utah college campus on September 10 — was most starkly demonstrated by the over 63,000 people who traveled great distances to honor and mourn him.

    Cindy Warford, 62, shared that she and her granddaughters, aged 13 and 15, regularly listened to Kirk, who hosted a podcast and spoke at college campuses. She noted the girls had been particularly affected by his death.

    “I really feel like this is this generation’s Martin Luther King Jr., JFK, or even 9/11 — something we’ve lived through,” she said. “It’s hit them really hard because Charlie was speaking to them.”

    Warford referenced historic moments like the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963, the murder of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, and the 2001 terrorist attacks.

    ### Pivotal Moment for U.S. Conservatives

    The religious tone and passionate speeches during the memorial reinforced the idea that Kirk’s shooting was a rallying point for conservatives fighting against the political left.

    Rob Hartz, a business analyst from Arizona in his 50s, described Kirk as inspiring and a martyr for right-wing principles.

    Kirk, 31, led Turning Point USA, an organization dedicated to boosting Republican youth engagement. He was well-known among college students and conservative activists. However, Sunday’s gathering showed he had become an even larger figure for the right in death than he was during his life.

    While most on the political left condemned Kirk’s murder, they didn’t view him as a martyr. Many saw him as a divisive figure, known for controversial statements about Black Americans, LGBTQ communities, Muslims, and immigrants.

    Several speakers contrasted the memorial service with a religious revival, featuring fervent preaching and enthusiastic crowd reactions. Biblical passages were placed on seats, and Christian-themed music was played throughout.

    Supporters, many of whom backed Trump and wore patriotic colors as organizers requested, queued from early morning hours.

    As they entered, attendees saw two enormous screens—45 feet wide and 26 feet tall—showing Kirk kissing his wife Erika. Flanking the screens were two large American flags, each 20 by 30 feet.

    ### Kirk Died for Freedom

    Many attendees expressed the belief that Kirk’s death was for the cause of religious and political liberty.

    “Look around,” said U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio. “The President of the United States and his entire cabinet are here. I just came back from overseas, and every country sent condolences for his passing.”

    Before political leaders took the stage, the crowd sang and swayed to bands promoting Christian faith, praying for Kirk and America.

    Within the stadium’s hallways, framed photos of Kirk and his widow sat on pedestals. Branded merchandise, including red hats reminiscent of Trump’s MAGA caps with “KIRK” printed on them, was sold.

    Trump and Vance have suggested Kirk’s killing at a Utah college should prompt scrutiny of left-wing groups. A 22-year-old college student has been charged with the murder. Authorities say he told his girlfriend he killed Kirk because he had “had enough of his hate.”

    “Charlie died for his beliefs,” said Adam Pennings, 25, who traveled from Dallas and arrived at 5 a.m. for the memorial. “His movement was always meant to last longer than him, but no one expected it to happen this soon.”

    Antonina Gagliano, 58, traveled from San Diego to pay her respects. She admitted she didn’t know Kirk personally, but her son followed him online.

    “I believe his influence will grow a hundredfold,” she remarked.

  • Texas Governor Signs Law Banning Sharia Law Compounds

    Texas Governor Signs Law Banning Sharia Law Compounds

    Texas Governor Greg Abbott has officially signed House Bill 4211 into law, targeting the development of residential communities with religious exclusivity, like the contentious EPIC City project in Collin County. The legislation prohibits the formation of entities known as Sharia compounds and aims to shield Texans from discrimination and deceptive housing practices.

    The signing ceremony took place in McKinney, joined by numerous state and local officials including Congressman Keith Self, Senator Angela Paxton, and several state representatives. Abbott emphasized that the law addresses two primary concerns: safeguarding religious freedom and protecting the right to contract.

    “Religious freedom is a fundamental aspect of the Texas Constitution,” Abbott stated. He explained that the organizers of EPIC City intended to establish a Muslim-only enclave, enforce Sharia law among residents, and limit land sales outside the community boundaries. Abbott assured that the new law will prevent such measures, ensuring that no group can impose Sharia law or establish segregationist “no-go zones” within Texas.

    According to a Texas state press release, House Bill 4211 regulates business schemes involved in developing residential areas, preventing discriminatory housing practices and unfair investment tactics that could harm residents. All disputes related to these developments must be settled in either state or federal courts, rather than through any religious or alternative justice systems.

    Local residents at county meetings claimed EPIC City would function as an “Islamic compound” with Sharia law being enforced. Dan Cogdell, representing EPIC City’s legal team, vehemently denied these accusations, labeling them as false and driven by political motives. “We never aimed to impose Sharia law or create a Muslim-only zone,” Cogdell asserted. “Our clients are professionals—doctors, lawyers, engineers—law-abiding citizens seeking peaceful living. These claims are just propaganda.”

    The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-DFW) also criticized Abbott’s statements, describing them as “hurtful and dangerous” to Austin’s nearly one million Muslim residents. Mustafaa Carroll, CAIR-DFW director, commented, “There are no so-called Sharia compounds. Spreading this fear only divides communities and is entirely unfounded.”

    EPIC City, announced in 2024 by members of the East Plano Islamic Centre via Community Capital Partners, was envisioned as a 402-acre, Muslim-friendly neighborhood near Josephine in rural Collin County. The master plan included over 1,000 homes, a mosque, a faith-based K-12 school, apartments, a senior living facility, and retail outlets.