The Apostolic Prefecture of Kafirstan and Kashmir was erected from the Diocese of Lahore in 1887.

The Prefecture, composed of Rawalpindi, Kashmir and Ladakh, was looked after by the Mill Hill Missionary.

Ignatius Brouwer MHM was appointed as the first Prefect Apostolic with Rawalpindi as his headquarters.

The Prefecture was entrusted to the Capuchins of St. Joseph's Province, Kerala in 1978 and Rev.

Hippolytus Kunnunkal OFM Cap., was appointed as the first Indian Prefect Apostolic.