The appearance of gold-painted street performers, known as "golden men," in Islamabad has stirred suspicion and conspiracy theories in Pakistan. In a country where the influence of security agencies looms large, the idea of these performers being informants or spies has gained traction. This atmosphere of skepticism is rooted in a long history of conspiracy theories that have become mainstream. The belief in the pervasive reach of the intelligence services has led to widespread suspicion, with ordinary citizens being seen as potential agents of the state. This environment of distrust has been exacerbated in recent years, causing heightened concerns about surveillance and privacy. The story also features the perspective of one of the street performers, who acknowledges the decline in earnings and suggests that some of his peers may indeed engage in additional activities. This complex interplay between reality and conspiracy underscores the pervasive culture of suspicion in Pakistan.