Muhammad Zubair

Let’s face it—truth has become complicated. In today’s world, we don’t just deal with lies; we deal with something more dangerous: carefully crafted half-truths and twisted narratives. Whether it’s in personal relationships, the workplace, or even on the international stage, we often find ourselves surrounded by people—or even systems—that use truth not as a value to live by, but as a weapon to manipulate.

You’ve probably come across someone who makes you doubt your own memory, who blames you for everything, or who pretends to care only to use that trust later. These aren’t just annoying behaviors. Psychologists refer to these tactics as emotional manipulation—and they’re incredibly damaging. What’s more worrying is that these same techniques are now being used at national and international levels, shaping politics, news, and global narratives.

How People Twist the Truth (And Why It Matters)

We all know people who twist the truth, but some take it to another level. They use subtle, manipulative tricks that make you second-guess yourself or feel guilty for no reason. For example, gaslighting is when someone tries to make you question your reality by denying things they clearly did or said. Then there’s guilt-tripping, where someone plays on your emotions to make you do something out of shame instead of choice. Other tactics include the silent treatment, which shuts down communication to punish you, and love bombing, where they overwhelm you with praise and affection—only to use that emotional connection against you later.

These aren’t just personal issues. When this mindset becomes normalized in institutions or politics, it breeds corruption, injustice, and a dangerous culture where no one knows what—or who—to believe.

Truth Isn’t Just a Moral Ideal—It’s a Survival Tool

It’s easy to think of truth as something abstract, something we should stick to because it’s “the right thing.” And yes, in many religious and moral systems—including Islam—truthfulness is considered a core value. But beyond morality, truth serves a practical function: it builds trust. Whether in a friendship, a company, or a country, trust is impossible without honesty.

When people or governments regularly twist the facts to serve their own agendas, they don’t just lie—they slowly destroy the foundations of trust, leaving behind a society that’s cynical, confused, and divided.

When Countries Start Playing Mind Games

Truth manipulation doesn’t stop at personal relationships—it happens at the level of global politics too. A recent example is how India launched a media campaign to portray Pakistan negatively. By spreading misinformation through news channels and official statements, they tried to shape international opinion in their favor.

But Pakistan didn’t take the bait. Instead of reacting emotionally, it responded with facts, calm press briefings, and transparency. The military’s media wing, ISPR, played a key role by sticking to evidence and avoiding inflammatory rhetoric. This strategy of responding with dignity and data helped Pakistan counter the narrative effectively—without resorting to a war of words.

We’ve seen similar tactics before. Remember the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003? The world was told Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. That turned out to be false—but by the time the truth came out, hundreds of thousands of lives had already been lost. Today, the same distortion of truth is happening with the situation in Palestine, where facts are bent to fit political agendas.

So What Can Regular People Do?

In a world full of manipulation, it’s easy to feel helpless. But individuals still have power—starting with awareness. If you’re dealing with manipulative people, the first step is to set boundaries. Don’t let guilt or confusion steer your decisions. Keep a clear head. Observe rather than react. If things get overwhelming, it’s okay to seek professional support.

Just like Pakistan handled global misinformation with calm and clarity, you can deal with personal manipulators by staying grounded in your truth. Don’t shout. Don’t argue. Just speak honestly—and consistently. Over time, truth tends to speak for itself.

How Institutions Can Protect the Truth

Of course, fighting manipulation isn’t just an individual task. Our schools, workplaces, media, and governments also need to take responsibility. Institutions can promote truth by adopting clear ethical standards and making sure people are held accountable when they cross the line. We need safe systems where whistleblowers can report wrongdoing without fear. And we need to teach ethics and emotional intelligence from an early stage—not just to employees, but to leaders.

Leadership matters. If people in power set the tone with honesty and empathy, that culture spreads throughout the system. And in the long run, it creates environments where people trust one another—and where truth stands a chance.

In the End, Truth Is Power—But Only If We Use It Right

Truth isn’t just about being morally good—it’s a strategy for long-term strength and stability. Lies may win battles, but truth wins wars. In your relationships, in your community, or on the world stage, telling the truth—even when it’s hard—is the only way to build something real.

We live in a time when distortion is easy and honesty is rare. But the more people, institutions, and nations commit to truth—not as a weapon, but as a way forward—the more we can rebuild trust in a world that sorely needs it.

Let’s not treat truth as an ideal we occasionally honor. Let’s treat it as a responsibility, a discipline, and most importantly, a source of real strength.