A sudden gold rush in Karachi has gripped the city’s residents after rumours spread on social media about gold particles being discovered in the Malir River near the Korangi Causeway. The speculation prompted hundreds of people, including men, women, and children, to rush to the area on Saturday, carrying digging tools in hopes of finding traces of the precious metal.
Videos circulating online showed groups of people digging along the riverbed, searching through the sand and mud. Many arrived early in the morning, convinced by posts claiming that locals had already found small gold particles in the area. The frenzy caused significant traffic disruptions near the Korangi Causeway, as curious onlookers and treasure seekers crowded the site.
Authorities, however, have yet to confirm whether any gold has actually been found. Officials from the Karachi Metropolitan Corporation (KMC) and local police were dispatched to the scene to control the crowd and ensure safety. Environmental experts have urged caution, warning that the gold rush in Karachi may be based on misinformation.
The area around the Malir River, particularly near the Korangi Causeway, is known for being heavily polluted due to industrial waste and garbage dumping. Experts say the river’s water quality is poor and unsafe for direct contact. Dr. Nadeem Ahmed, an environmental scientist at Karachi University, noted that “the possibility of natural gold deposits in the Malir River is extremely low,” adding that any claims should be verified through proper geological testing.
This unusual incident reflects how quickly misinformation can spread in the age of social media. Within hours of the first videos being posted, hashtags related to the gold rush in Karachi began trending online, attracting even more residents to the site. Despite warnings from officials, some individuals continued digging into the night, hoping to strike it rich.
Historically, Pakistan has reported traces of mineral resources, including gold, in regions like Balochistan’s Reko Diq and Saindak, but no verified gold deposits have ever been documented within Karachi’s river systems.
As of Saturday evening, no official evidence has confirmed the presence of gold in the Malir River. Authorities are expected to conduct further investigations, while experts have advised citizens to stay away from the polluted river and avoid engaging in unsafe digging activities.
The gold rush in Karachi, whether fact or fiction, serves as a reminder of how rumours can spark large-scale public reactions — and how hope for quick fortune often overshadows reason and safety.
