The Qasba Aligarh massacre occurred amidst escalating ethnic violence in Karachi, Pakistan, particularly targeting the Muhajir population. Following a crackdown on drug-related activities where security forces raided a heroin processing and distribution center in Sohrab Goth, violence broke out. The raid set off a chain of retaliatory attacks fueled by ethnic tensions that had been brewing for years in the city, where Muhajirs, who migrated from India during Partition, faced resentment from other local groups, notably Pashtuns and Sindhis.

In the aftermath of the raid, armed groups descended upon Qasba colony, conducting brutal retaliatory attacks against the Muhajir community. Reports suggest that more than 400 individuals lost their lives in these killings, which were marked by extreme violence and a complete breakdown of law and order. The security forces’ inability or unwillingness to protect the Muhajirs during the ensuing chaos further exacerbated their plight, leading to widespread fear and dislocation within this demographic.

The events served as a reflection of the challenging social landscape in Karachi during the 1980s, where ethnic and political allegiances often dictated life and death. The massacre drew attention to the urgent need for government intervention and conflict resolution in a city marked by persistent violence and instability. The Qasba Aligarh incident illustrated the fragility of societal cohesion in Pakistan, highlighting how quickly underlying tensions can erupt into devastating violence.