Hear the Voiceless

Cries of Khushpur

The Silent Death of Khushpur’s Joy

"The Vetican of Pakistan"

Be the Reason 'Khushpur' Smiles Again

From Faith to Flourishing

Fr. Felix, a Belgian Capuchin friar,

Founder, Khushpur (1900)

Bishop Dr. Indrias Rehmat

Faisalabad Diocese, Faisalabad

The Holistic Development Journey of Khushpur

The journey of Khushpur’s foundation and development was initiated by Fr. Felix, and though it experienced some deviations over the past decades, Bishop Dr. Indrias Rehmat has realigned it with Fr. Felix’s original mission and the holistic development principles taught by the Lord Jesus Christ.

"Khushpur" Name

The name was given to this village by a missionary, Father Felix, who laid the foundation stone of this village, originally 51 GB. Felix literally translates into "happiness" from Latin, and the villagers took up the name of a place of happiness after Felix and regardless of the future. In its history of almost a century, the villagers had lived their lives by and large happily, but things have changed now.

...Khushpur - intra & interfaith harmony...

Khushpur, a village renowned for its deep Christian roots, was laid on the foundation of religious tolerance and interfaith harmony by Fr. Felix.

His vision nurtured a community where respect, coexistence, and faith in God became guiding principles, making Khushpur a beacon of unity and understanding for generations.

...Khushpur Revival...

...through Optimum Utilization of Existing Resources and Human Potential...

...Khushpur...

Once known as the Vatican or ‘Rome of Pakistan,’ it served as a ladder for many to rise and enjoy lives of privilege and luxury, but today it struggles for survival.

...Khushpur...

Khushpur has given more than it has received, serving selflessly without reinvestment in its resources and human development. Today, its silent cries must be heard to ensure its continued service and to safeguard its cherished international identity as the Vatican or ‘Rome of Pakistan.’

Khushpur: A Village ~ Beacon of Christian Faith in Pakistan

Khushpur, a village in the Faisalabad District of Punjab, stands as a remarkable symbol of Christian faith and resilience in Pakistan. Founded in 1900 by the Belgian Capuchin missionary Father Felix, it soon became a centre of spiritual life, education, and community development. Khushpur village is a symbol of Christian faith and contributed to the evolution of the Catholic Church and the empowerment of Catholic clergy leadership. Often called the “Pakistani Vatican,” Khushpur has produced dozens of priests, nuns, catechists, and bishops who have served the Church nationwide with devotion. Khushpur also takes pride in producing highly qualified professionals who have excelled in diverse fields such as health, engineering, defence services, education, and public administration. Their contributions extend beyond the village, playing a vital role in strengthening Pakistan’s overall national development.

Beyond its religious contributions, Khushpur embodies a legacy of interfaith harmony, where various Christian denominations and Muslims have historically celebrated each other’s traditions and lived in mutual respect. The village is also remembered as the home of Bishop John Joseph, a champion of human rights, and Shahbaz Bhatti, the martyred Federal Minister for Minorities Affairs.

Today, while facing social and economic challenges, Khushpur remains a beacon of faith, sacrifice, and hope—continuing to inspire future generations with its enduring commitment to the Gospel and service to humanity.

The 125-year-old history of Khushpur reflects a remarkable journey of holistic development, where spiritual strength was intertwined with social and political progress. Over the decades, visionary leaders—both religious and community-based—worked tirelessly to uplift the village, nurturing not only its spiritual life but also its social cohesion, economic resilience, and educational growth. Their collective efforts shaped Khushpur into a symbol of Christian faith, leadership, and service within Pakistan.

Over the past few decades, the management, political representatives, and even the spiritual leadership of Khushpur have struggled to prioritize the integral components of holistic development. This lack of foresight and responsibility has left a heavy mark on the lives of the villagers.

Rather than channeling their influence toward community uplift, most of the leaders and influential people managed their positions and land ownership to secure their development, often using social standing and adherence as a means to move developed countries.

Meanwhile, those who remain in Khushpur continue to face difficult living conditions, with outdated infrastructure and degraded farming soils that no longer support a dignified life in the realities of the 21st century. The village, once envisioned as a ‘Happy Land’, now urgently needs visionary leadership and a renewed commitment to restore its vitality.

The eyes still hold remnants of hope, yearning for the recovery of Khushpur's Golden Days…

The majority of Khushpur’s community continue to endure challenging and difficult lives.

Though their eyes appear weary and dried from struggle, they still carry a faint glimmer of hope.

Their silent cries can be heard by those who listen with compassion.

Whenever an outsider visits the village, the people instinctively look toward them with renewed expectation, sensing the possibility of something good that might help restore Khushpur’s long-lost prosperity.

During his visit to the village, Dr. Yousaf Riaz, Executive Director of the Khushpur Development Program (KDP), closely observed the realities of community life, listening to the voices of its people and assessing the challenges and opportunities that will shape Khushpur’s future.

Rediscovering: The Gaps in the Application of Jesus Christ's Holistic Development Theology...

Khushpur Development Program (KDP)

The Khushpur Development Program (KDP) has been established as a structured initiative to revive and realign the vision of holistic development in Khushpur. Under the esteemed leadership of His Excellency Bishop Dr. Indrias Rehmat, Chairman and Chief Patron, the program draws its inspiration from the original mission of Father Felix and the holistic principles of the Lord Jesus Christ.

The operational direction of KDP is entrusted to Dr. Yousaf Riaz, Executive Director, who brings his expertise in social, environmental, and economic development to design a clear roadmap for progress. Supporting this mission is a 14-member Khushpur Development Committee, representing diverse professional, spiritual, and community perspectives.

The Khushpur Development Program (KDP) was initiated during the significant Jubilee year of Khushpur, marking a renewed commitment to the village’s holistic growth and enduring legacy.

Together, this leadership and committee aim to mobilize local resources, foster inclusive participation, and address the social, economic, spiritual, and educational needs of Khushpur. The ultimate goal is to transform Khushpur into a model village of faith, resilience, and sustainable development—truly living up to its name, Khushpur, the Happy Land.

Khushpur

A Village of

Creation Care

+ Dr. Indrias Rehmat
Bishop of Faisalabad
Chairman & Chief Patron KDP

Khushpur: A Legacy of Faith, Service, and Renewal

Khushpur holds a very special place in the history of the Catholic Church in Pakistan. It is not only a village of faith but also a cradle of leadership, service, and hope for countless communities across the country. As Chairman and Chief Patron of the Khushpur Development Program (KDP), I deeply recognize the responsibility we share to safeguard its legacy and to prepare it for the challenges and opportunities of today.

The vision of KDP is rooted in the belief that Khushpur must continue to flourish as a model of Christian witness and social transformation. This requires us to address pressing needs—improving health, education, environment, livelihoods, and infrastructure—so that the people of Khushpur may thrive with dignity and purpose.

I extend my gratitude to all who are contributing their time, expertise, and resources to this noble cause, I am deeply grateful to all who are offering their prayers, time, expertise, and resources to this mission. In a special way, I acknowledge Dr. Yousaf Riaz, whose commitment and leadership as Executive Director have been instrumental in laying the foundations of KDP.

Together, we can honor the sacrifices of our forebears, restore the vitality of the village, and ensure that Khushpur remains a source of light, inspiration, and progress for generations to come.

Khushpur Sustainability

through Optimum Utilization of Existing Resources & Human Potential

My first visit to Khushpur in February 2025 was both a privilege and a responsibility. The purpose of this visit was to assess the village’s soil fertility and overall sanitation conditions, particularly with reference to water and solid waste management.

The findings were revealing. While Khushpur has always been celebrated for its spiritual, cultural, and educational contributions, the reports indicate that its soil productivity is under stress, and more alarmingly, the community’s health is at risk due to contamination of both water and solid waste. This reality places an urgent call before us: to address environmental challenges with the same devotion and resilience that have long defined Khushpur’s history.

Khushpur’s journey of faith and service is incomplete without ensuring the health and well-being of its people. As we look ahead, our collective efforts are focused on restoring community living conditions, improving water quality, soil health, and establishing effective management used water and solid waste management systems. These actions are not only essential for sustaining livelihoods but also for honoring Khushpur’s enduring role as a beacon of hope, faith, and harmony in Pakistan.

Together, with the village leadership, development committees, and well-wishers, we can transform these challenges into opportunities and reaffirm Khushpur’s legacy as a model village of resilience, dignity, creation care, and service.

The summer months of May through July posed difficulties in conducting field visits, delaying the technical evaluations essential for restoring the village to meet the needs of 2025. I am really thankful to His Excellency, Bishop Dr. Indrias Rehmat, and the management team of Faisalabad Diocese for achieving the targets.

As I closely observed the living conditions of the people, memories of the village’s past came alive before me. Gradually, I felt a deep emotional and logical bond with Khushpur—one that compels me to work for its restoration and to confront and dismantle every factor that hinders its development and growth.

Dr. Yousaf Riaz
Executive Director, KDP

Behind the Mission

The Strength of KDP –Coordination Team

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