My Journey with Hemophilia: Turning Challenges into Strength

I am Fahim Ur Rehman, a 32years old severe hemophilia A patient (living with four hemophilia brothers) from a rural area in Pukhtunkhwa province, Pakistan. My father (79years old) is a retired senior English teacher. Despite living 365km away from Peshawar, I have learned to turn my difficulties into strength.

Growing up with hemophilia was not easy, but it strengthened my determination. I pursued education as my weapon against challenges, earning two degrees in Criminology – an MSc two years degree from the University of Peshawar (2022) and an MS degree from Quaid E Azam University, Islamabad (2025). My research focused on Prison Systems reform, advocating for juveniles to be given a second chance. I believe that just like a hemophilia patient bleeds in their joints and yearns to be without pain, juveniles deserve institutional rehabilitation – inside and outside prison – to break the cycle of crime.

I want juveniles to be taught positivity, education, and skills so they become productive members of society. Prison should be a place of reform, not punishment. Because juveniles are vulnerable and in their developmental stages, they must be given the opportunity to reintegrate into society after completing their sentences. They should receive support and guidance to avoid future mistakes and contribute positively to their communities.

I am grateful for the support of Laureen Kelley from Save One Life, who empowered my educational journey, and Mr. Shabistan, President of Hemophilia Patients Welfare Society Peshawar Chapter, who stood by me.

To me, hemophilia is not a weakness – it is a strength. It taught me resilience and courage. My message to the bleeding disorder community is simple: pain and gain are part of life. With courage, one can achieve anything.