A wave of excitement gripped parts of Karachi this week as rumors of gold particles being found in the Malir River near Korangi Causeway spread like wildfire across social media platforms.
Videos showing people digging in the riverbed went viral, prompting hundreds of residents, including women and children, to rush to the site with shovels, sieves, and other makeshift tools, hoping to strike it rich.
However, a fact check reveals that the frenzy was fueled by misinformation.
Gold Rush or Groundless Rumor?
Despite the viral claims, local authorities and eyewitnesses have confirmed that there is no credible evidence of gold being present in the area.
According to residents who have been digging at the site for the past three days, no gold has been found. Some individuals admitted to unearthing small fragments of brass, copper, or even animal bones, but nothing of significant value.
“We’ve been coming here daily, but there’s no gold. Occasionally, we find metal scraps or old bones, which we sell to scrap dealers,” said one digger.
The rumor gained traction after several unverified videos began circulating online, claiming that gold particles were being discovered in the muddy soil of the Malir River. The videos showed crowds of people enthusiastically digging and sieving through sand, further fueling public curiosity and panic.
The scene turned chaotic as more and more people gathered near the Korangi Causeway, causing concern among city officials and local residents.
Officials have strongly denied any confirmed discovery of gold in the area. They are urging citizens to refrain from believing or acting on unverified information circulated via social media.
“There is no official confirmation or scientific basis for the presence of gold in Malir River,” said a city administration spokesperson. “We urge the public not to fall for rumors and to avoid gathering in potentially hazardous areas.”
This so-called “gold rush” near Korangi Causeway appears to be a classic case of social media misinformation causing mass hysteria. With no solid evidence or expert verification to support the claims, residents are being warned to remain cautious and rely on credible sources of information.
