About me
"I’ve always been drawn to the weird and uncanny."
Maliha Rao is a speculative fiction writer (dark fantasy and horror) inspired by South Asian folklore, myths, and the fantastically weird stories she collects from her friends and family. With a deep love for the uncanny, dark, and, at times, absurdly silly, Maliha crafts tales that are both bone-chilling and whimsically strange. She is a passionate advocate and friend of the Unseen and cats (of all kinds and types, even multi-dimensional).
Born and based in Karachi, Pakistan, Maliha is also a seasoned digital communications expert and author coach with two decades of experience in creative strategy, copywriting, and brand storytelling. Her short horror stories have appeared in local anthologies, and her debut novel ( a Mix of horror and dark fantasy), was released in October 2025 with Liberty Publishing, Pakistan.
"Grab a cup of tea and enjoy my dark universe made of words, wonder and a touch of whimsy."
Maliha is a Salam Workshop 2025 Alumni and volunteers with Tasavvur Magazine (The only Speculative Fiction Magazine of South Asian) as Head of Marketing and Operations.
Beyond the page, Maliha is a passionate advocate for speculative fiction in South Asia. She’s on a mission to nurture a thriving community of fantasy, horror, and science fiction writers in Pakistan through writing clubs, workshops, and literary events. Whether she’s helping emerging authors find their voice or championing bold new narratives, she’s committed to preserving cultural storytelling while pushing its boundaries.
She lives with too many books, a few spoiled pets, and an unstoppable urge to create something strange.
