Point News Today

 Friday, January 31, 2025 Islamabad (News / Pakistan Point News - 11th Jan, 2025 ) President Trump said in a statement posted on his social media platform 'Truth' on Thursday, "We are apparently going to get a promise from the opposing countries that they will neither create a new BRICS currency nor support any other currency that tries to replace the powerful US dollar, if they do not do so, they will face 100 percent tariffs.

 The Shahbaz government rests on Bilawal's shoulders. If the canals are removed, the Indus River will dry up. If the PPP is against the canals, why doesn't it present a resolution in the National Assembly, Senate and provincial assemblies? Chairman Sindh Progress Party Thursday, January 30, 2025 Jacobabad (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - NNI. January 30, 2025) Sindh Progressive Party Chairman Dr. Qadir Magsi has said that Asif Zardari has stood with Shahbaz Sharif on the issue of removing canals from the Indus River. Shahbaz's government stands on Bilawal's shoulders. If the canals are removed, the Indus River will dry up. If the PPP is against canals, then why doesn't it present a resolution in the National Assembly, Senate and Provincial Assembly? Pakistan is alive not because of Lahore, Faisalabad, Mardan or Peshawar but because of the sea of ​​Karachi. The port of Karachi is providing oxygen to the rulers. The Indus River is our jugular vein. The lives of 60 m...

 Opponents are inventing new ways to defeat Saqib Majeed Raja and reduce his popularity, but every trick of the opponents will fail. Wednesday, January 29, 2025 Muzaffarabad (Urdu Point News - NNI. January 29, 2025) Saqib Majeed Raja will fight every conspiracy against him. Saqib Majeed Raja is the messiah of the poor and the living voice of the poor. He will continue to feed the chests of his opponents and keep them from sleeping. These views were expressed by the President of the Women's Wing of the Muslim League-Nawaz, Ms. Fizza Raja. She said that negative tactics for political interests are unacceptable. Those who created a storm using the Kikluot incident as a justification have once again had to eat their fill. Saqib Majeed Raja is the living voice of the poor. People are very scared of his growing popularity. The opponents are inventing new ways to defeat Saqib Majeed Raja and reduce his popularity, but every trick of the opponents will fail. Fizza Raja said that after the ...

 A list has been received from Hamas, indicating whether all 33 hostages released in the first phase are alive or dead. Government spokesman David Manser Tuesday, January 28, 2025 Tel Aviv (Point News / Latest News - International Press Agency. January 28, 2025) Israeli government spokesman David Manser has said that eight of the 26 people to be released by Hamas in the first phase of the ceasefire agreement are no longer alive. According to the British Broadcasting Corporation, Manser confirmed that Israel has received a list from Hamas, indicating whether all 33 hostages released in the first phase are alive or dead.

 File sent to Chief Justice for formation of full court on the authority of committees, Nizar Abbas did not intentionally commit contempt of court, therefore show cause notice of contempt of court against Nizar Abbas is withdrawn Monday, January 27, 2025 Islamabad (Point Newspaper Latest. January 27, 2025) The Supreme Court has withdrawn the contempt of court notice against Additional Registrar Nazar Abbas, the file has been sent to the Chief Justice for the formation of a full court on the authority of the committees, a two-member bench comprising Justice Mansoor Ali Shah and Justice Aqeel Abbasi has pronounced the verdict in the contempt of court case against Additional Registrar Judicial Nazar Abbas, the court ruled that the Practice and Procedure Committee and the Judges Constitutional Committee ignored the judicial order.

 Sunday, January 26, 2025 Islamabad (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - DW Urdu - January 26, 2025) Important news so far

 The Moroccan navy has arrested at least half a dozen African human traffickers, while five people have been arrested in Pakistan. Report Saturday, January 25, 2025 Islamabad (Point News Today / Sputnik - International Press Agency - January 25, 2025) Pakistani and Moroccan authorities have arrested several suspects involved in a boat accident in Mauritania. More than 40 Pakistanis died in a boat accident in the Atlantic Ocean earlier this month. According to the report, Pakistani and Moroccan authorities have claimed to have arrested about half a dozen suspects who are said to have been involved in an attempt to smuggle about 65 Pakistanis from Mauritania to Europe, which resulted in the death of more than 40 Pakistanis in the Atlantic Ocean earlier this month.

 Emergency food programs and military aid to Israel and Egypt have been exempted from the ban. With the announcement, Washington has indirectly isolated the United States from the military alliance "NATO" and its European allies. Experts Saturday, January 25, 2025 Washington (Point News Today- 25 January 2025) The US State Department has imposed a complete ban on new funding for all US-funded projects abroad under USAID and other agencies, including military aid, but exempts emergency food programs and military aid to Israel and Egypt.

  Islamabad (Point News Today / Pakistan Point News - 24th Jan, 2025 ) A federal judge in Seattle has temporarily blocked Trump's order to end the constitutional guarantee of birthright citizenship regardless of the immigration status of the parents.

 Monday, January 20, 2025 Islamabad (Point News Today / Pakistan Point News - 20th Jan, 2025 ) Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras Director Vizinathan Kamakoti recently highlighted the medical benefits of cow urine, or cow urine, while addressing a public event. He mentioned the “antibacterial and antifungal properties” of cow urine and said that drinking it also improves digestion.

 Monday, January 20, 2025 ISLAMABAD (Point Today News / Pakistan Point News - 20th Jan, 2025 ) According to Hamas, most of the ninety Palestinian prisoners released on Monday are women and children. According to reports, the Palestinians released from Israeli prisons include 69 women and 21 teenage boys from the West Bank and Jerusalem. The released people include Khaleda Jarrar, the leader of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.

 Monday, January 20, 2025 Islamabad (Point News Today / Pakistan Point News - DW Urdu - 20 January 2025) A report published by Oxfam, a global development organization, on Monday said that inequality in today's world is increasing rapidly as the "elite class" is accumulating wealth at an unprecedented level.

 Sunday, January 19, 2025 Islamabad (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th January, 2025) Portugal was the first European country to conquer Guinea-Bissau, Mozambique and other African countries and make them its colonies. Then, some people from Africa were enslaved and brought to Portugal. Seeing the hard work of these slaves, the Spaniards brought African slaves to Latin America and made them work in gold and silver mines.

 Sunday, January 19, 2025 Islamabad (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Jan, 2025) Experts who monitor Pakistani tourism say that winter tourism provides a special enjoyment to citizens. Watching live scenes of snowfall in valleys surrounded by severe cold has always been fascinating for tourists. A tourist, Dr. Majid Ali, told DW that there are many recreational places in Pakistan that are famous for winter tourism.

 Saturday, January 18, 2025 Islamabad (Point News Today / Pakistan Point News - DW News - 18th January 2025) According to reports received from Damascus, the capital of Syria, which has been suffering from a long-standing civil war, on Saturday, December 18, a delegation from the International Criminal Court (ICC) led by Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan met with Syrian interim leader Ahmed al-Sharaa in Damascus on Friday.

 Saturday, January 18, 2025 Islamabad (Point News Today / Pakistan Point News - 18th January, 2025 ) According to reports received from the US capital Washington, a 34-year-old former Central Intelligence Agency official named Asif Rahman was accused of leaking highly classified US documents related to the Israeli military attack on Iran.

 The nation is mourning the vengeful verdict in the Al-Qadir Trust case, the (PML-N) has created a failed drama of celebration and got blackened, no one is more loyal to Imran Khan than Bushra Bibi, Musarrat Jamshed Cheema talks to the media Saturday, January 18, 2025 Rawalpindi (UrduPoint Newspaper Latest. IPA. January 18, 2025) Senior leader of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, Mussrat Jamshed Cheema, has said that Bushra Bibi is being punished only for standing by Imran Khan. Just as there is respect and honor for Imran Khan in the hearts of the people, there is also respect for Bushra Bibi. The entire nation is mourning the revenge-based decision in the Al-Qadir Trust case, but the (N) League has created a failed drama of celebration and has got its face covered with black paint with its own hands.

 Friday, January 17, 2025 Islamabad (Point News Today / Pakistan Point News - 17th January, 2025 ) The United States on Thursday announced sanctions against the head of the Sudanese armed forces, Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

 There was no answer for the cleaning, so they did not appear in court. The stock market went up 100 points as soon as the sentence was heard. When sedition goes down, the nation goes up. They were imprisoned like a tandoor, but they did not burn or surround them. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Friday, January 17, 2025 Lahore (Point News Today / Pakistan Point News - 17th January, 2025) Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced the construction of a medical college, girls' hostel and underpass in Okara. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif also exhibited the Core i7 laptops purchased for the students. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif gave an enthusiastic speech at the University of Okara, congratulating the children. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced to complete the projects of the University of Okara under her supervision and to bring laptops for the students soon.

 Friday, January 17, 2025 Islamabad (Point News Today / Pakistan Point News - 17th January, 2025 ) Experts believe that political decisions are a big obstacle to the rule of law and the promotion of democratic traditions in the country, and the recent decision is also based on political revenge, because negotiations are currently underway between the government and the PTI. The aim of this is that the decision, which has been announced after being postponed three times, has been made only to bring the PTI to the negotiating table.

 Thursday, January 16, 2025 Islamabad (Point News Today / Pakistan Point News - DW News - 16 January 2025) The Charlemagne Prize, awarded for personal services to European unity and partnership, is a very prestigious German award. The organizers of this award announced the winner of the award to Budh, on which the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, who received the award, expressed her joy and wrote on X, “This award has touched the depths of my heart.”

 Thursday, January 16, 2025 Islamabad (Point News Today/ Pakistan Point News - 16th Jan, 2025 ) According to Joyce Msuya, the acting head of the United Nations Humanitarian Agency (OCHA), “People in Yemen continue to face a severe humanitarian and protection crisis.”

 Thursday, January 16, 2025 Islamabad (Point News Today / Pakistan Point News - DW News - 16 January 2025) The migrant rights group Walking Borders said on Thursday that 50 migrants have died after a boat carrying migrants trying to reach Spain from West Africa capsized.

 We could not be proven to have stolen a single rupee, it seems the previous government did nothing, I have to do everything, my own children are out using other people's children, Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Wednesday, January 15, 2025 Lahore (UrduPoint Newspaper Latest. IPA. January 15, 2025) Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has announced to give laptops to students who score more than 65 percent. Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif announced to increase the merit scholarship to 50 thousand in the new budget and to give merit scholarships to second and third year students. Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif said that 30 thousand scholarships are less and should be more.

 Wednesday, January 15, 2025 Islamabad (Point News Today / Pakistan Point News - 15th January, 2025 ) : Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday, January 15, welcomed a first-of-its-kind agreement with the World Bank, which aims to focus the economically struggling country on $20 billion in loans over the next decade for development issues such as climate change mitigation and private sector development.

 Wednesday, January 15, 2025 Islamabad (Point News Today / Pakistan Point News - 15th January, 2025 ) According to reports received from the Syrian capital Damascus on Wednesday, January 15, Syrian Foreign Minister Al-Shaibani said that millions of Syrians who sought refuge in Germany, the most populous country in the European Union, due to the bloody civil war in Syria, are safe there and should not return to Syria in a hurry.

 Tuesday, January 14, 2025 ISLAMABAD (Point News Today / Pakistan Point News - DW Urdu - 14 January 2025) According to the Associated Press, the letter from Israeli soldiers refusing to participate in the Gaza war comes at a time when pressure is mounting on Israel and Hamas to end the fighting. Ceasefire talks are ongoing, and both US President Joe Biden and President-elect Donald Trump have urged a ceasefire agreement before January 20.

 Tuesday, January 14, 2025 Islamabad (Point News Today/ Pakistan Point News - 14th Jan, 2025 ) According to Kerala Police, initial investigations suggest that the Dalit girl, who was participating in school-level athletic training, was sexually abused by her classmates, her sports trainer, fellow athlete, neighbor, father's friend and others.

 Checking has been increased to prevent beggars and other suspicious persons from traveling abroad without proper documents and supporting information. Tuesday, January 14, 2025 Dubai (Point News Today / Pakistan Point News - 14th January, 2025) Pakistan has tightened travel rules to prevent suspicious persons from traveling abroad, especially to the UAE and other GCC countries. According to details, while addressing a luncheon organized by the Pakistan Business Council in Dubai, Federal Minister for Commerce Jam Kamal Khan highlighted the key issues affecting trade relations between Pakistan and the UAE, travel restrictions and measures to prevent beggars from traveling abroad. However, at the same time, he also stressed the government’s commitment to improving the travel experience for Pakistani citizens and business people traveling abroad despite increasing restrictions at airports.

 New law needed to protect national security. Conversation with Commerce Minister Gina Rimando Tuesday, January 14, 2025 Washington (Point News Today / Latest News - International Press Agency. January 14, 2025) The United States has announced new restrictions on the export and ownership of advanced artificial intelligence “microprocessors” and rules for the interaction of users of AI systems. The law will be submitted for 120 days for public comments and responses. US administration officials say that the new law is needed to protect national security.

 The Kumbh Mela is held every three years at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and the iconic river Saraswati. The Maha Kumbh Mela takes place once every twelve years. Report Monday, January 13, 2025 New Delhi (Point News Today - 13th January, 2025) The celebrations of the “Maha” Kumbh Mela have begun in India, which has been described as the largest gathering of people in the world at a single place. Organizers say that about 400 million pilgrims are expected to arrive this year at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati rivers between the second week of January and March. Along with religious rituals, the festival also provides entertainment for the people. The six-week-long Maha Kumbh Mela is held in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh, in which Hindus living in India and other countries of the world arrive to participate.

 Punjab Chief Minister inaugurated Zahra Homes, Maskan Ravi Housing Scheme to provide houses to deserving people in Lahore, allotment letters and keys of houses were distributed to families, they will change the fate of Punjab and Pakistan in 5 years, deserving and poor people will be given a piece of land for their houses free of cost, Punjab Chief Minister addressed the ceremony Monday, January 13, 2025 Lahore (UrduPoint Newspaper Latest. January 13, 2025) Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz announced the provision of a free plot of 3 marla for deserving people with low income in Punjab. Deserving and poor people will be given a piece of land for their houses for free. Thousands of houses are under construction in all 37 districts of Punjab. They will change the fate of Punjab and Pakistan in 5 years. The Chief Minister of Punjab inaugurated Zahra Homes, Maskan Ravi to provide houses to deserving people in Lahore. On this occasion, the Chief Minister of Punjab gave allotment lette...

 The government will take all possible steps to provide low-cost housing to every citizen, Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif Monday, January 13, 2025 Islamabad (Point News Today / Pakistan Point News - 13th January, 2025) Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has directed to complete the ongoing low-cost housing projects of the federal government as soon as possible, to increase investment in partnership with the private sector and to ensure third-party validation of the construction of housing projects and to complete the construction projects within a specified period, saying that the government will take all possible steps to provide low-cost housing to every citizen of Pakistan.

Sunday, January 12, 2025 Islamabad (Point News Today / Pakistan Point News - 12th January, 2025) Those who met in Adiala Jail included Asad Qaiser, Omar Ayub, Allama Raja Nasir Abbas, Sahibzada Hamid Raza and Imran Khan’s lawyer Faisal Chaudhry. However, committee members Hamid Khan and Salman Akram Raja did not attend the meeting.

 Sunday, January 12, 2025 Islamabad (Point News Today/ Pakistan Point News - DW Urdu - January 12, 2025) Although Iranian authorities have severely restricted access to abortion in an effort to stem the population decline, most women resort to illegal means to terminate unwanted pregnancies.

 Sunday, January 12, 2025 ISLAMABAD (Point News Today/ Pakistan Point News - 12th Jan, 2025 ) : Saudi Arabia, the Middle East's largest economy, is seeking to expand its influence in Syria, where rebels toppled former Syrian President Bashar al-Assad last month, analysts say.

 Saturday, January 11, 2025 Lahore (UrduPoint News Today/ Pakistan Point News - NNI. 11th January, 2025) The current government of Bangladesh has simplified the visa process for Pakistanis in order to further strengthen trade and economic relations between the two countries. This was stated by Bangladesh High Commissioner to Pakistan Iqbal Hussain Khan while addressing the Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry. In his address, Lahore Chamber President Mian Abuzar Shad spoke about trade and investment between the two countries and other issues.

 The heavy funding from global American companies including Amazon, Meta, OpenAI, Google, Perplexity and Ford Motors is for better relations with the new administration. The New York Times reports Saturday, January 11, 2025 Washington (UrduPoint News Today/ Latest News - International Press Agency - January 11, 2025) Fundraising for the inauguration of US President-elect Donald Trump has broken all previous records, with $170 million raised. Technology company executives and major donors have poured huge sums of money into the campaign to support the president-elect. These funds are usually spent on inauguration ceremonies, including the swearing-in ceremony, parades and other inauguration formalities.

 Saturday, January 11, 2025 ISLAMABAD (UrduPoint News Today/ Pakistan Point News - DW Urdu - 11th January 2025) A Syrian intelligence source told the Syrian state news agency SANA that security forces and intelligence “succeeded in thwarting a bomb attack inside the shrine of Sayyida Zainab.” The source, who did not give his name, added that several arrests had been made in this regard.

 10 people have died in the fire so far, nearly 200,000 have been displaced, but the final death toll cannot be given. County Sheriff Saturday, January 11, 2025 Los Angeles (UrduPoint News Today- 11 January 2025) The fire in the city of Los Angeles, California, USA, has so far destroyed about 10,000 houses and buildings, while 180,000 people have been displaced and another 200,000 citizens are expected to leave the area. The fire, which started four days ago in Los Angeles, is burning in five different locations. The most damage from the fire has been caused in the residential area of ​​​​Pacific Palisades and in areas of Pasadena County, which is being described as the most destructive fire in the city's history. In both areas, 34,000 acres of land have been burned to the ground, while firefighters are busy trying to extinguish the fire.

 Friday, January 10, 2025 Lahore (UrduPoint News Today/ Pakistan Point News - 10th January 2025) Haier Brand Seminar 2025, a practical demonstration of a bright future for modern technology, environmental sustainability and modern lifestyle. The event was held on 08th January 2025 in Lahore, where Haier’s extensive dealer network, business partners and eminent personalities of Pakistan participated. The seminar was the focus of important announcements where a glimpse of Haier’s vision for 2025 was presented.

 Federal Interior Minister meets Maulana Fazlur Rehman, discusses issues of mutual interest and overall situation in the country, Interior Minister expresses best wishes for JUI-F chief's health Friday, January 10, 2025 Islamabad (UrduPoint News Today- 10th January 2025) Federal Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi met Maulana Fazlur Rehman and inquired about his well-being. In the meeting held at Maulana Fazlur Rehman’s residence, the two leaders discussed matters of mutual interest and the overall situation in the country. The Federal Interior Minister reached the residence of the head of Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (F) to meet him, where Maulana Fazlur Rehman welcomed him.

 Friday, January 10, 2025 Washington (UrduPoint News Today/ Pakistan Point News - NNI. January 10, 2025) With the beginning of the new year, the Henley Passport Index has released a list of the world's strongest passports, in which Pakistan's number is not even among the top 100 countries and India has also declined. According to a foreign news agency, the list released by the Henley Passport Index said that passports from 199 countries and 227 different locations in the world have been included.

 Whether military officers get basic rights and justice or not, we will take everyone into consideration. During the hearing, Justice Jamal Mandokhel raised questions about the trial procedure in military courts. Friday, January 10, 2025 Islamabad (UrduPoint News - 10th January 2025) During the hearing of the case of trials of civilians in military courts in the Supreme Court, Justice Jamal Khan Mandokhel remarked that the Army Act applies only to the army, please be satisfied with the trial procedure in military courts, a 7-member constitutional bench headed by Justice Aminuddin Khan is hearing the case related to the trial of civilians in military courts.

 All the accused denied the crime, ATC court judge Manzar Ali Gul heard the case in Kot Lakhpat Jail. Thursday, January 9, 2025 Lahore (UrduPoint News - 09 January 2025) The Lahore Anti-Terrorism Court indicted PTI leaders Shah Mehmood Qureshi, Yasmin Rashid, Sanam Javed and other accused in the May 9 arson attack case. All the accused denied the charges. ATC Court Judge Manzar Ali Gul heard the case in Kot Lakhpat Jail. During this, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf leaders, including former Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood, Yasmin Rashid, Sanam Javed and other accused were presented in the court.

 Thursday, January 9, 2025 Islamabad (UrduPoint News Today/ Pakistan Point News - 11th Jan, 2025 ) After US President-elect Donald Trump did not rule out military action to take control of Greenland, Germany has said that borders should not be changed by force.

 PCB just told in a message that PSL 10 draft will be held in Gwadar: Multan Sultans owner Thursday, January 9, 2025 Lahore (Urdu Point Latest Newspaper. January 9, 2024) Multan Sultans owner Ali Jahangir Tareen claimed that Gwadar was chosen for the Pakistan Super League (PSL) 10 draft without consulting the franchise owners.

 Wednesday, January 8, 2025 Islamabad (UrduPoint News Today/ Pakistan Point News - 10th Jan, 2025 ) When Donald Trump was bluntly asked during a press conference whether he would not use military or economic pressure to gain control of Greenland and the strategic Panama Canal, he replied, "I can't assure you of either of those.

 Political opposition can also exist within the realm of civilization. There is no need to burn Jinnah House for political differences. When Hassan Niazi is released after 10 years, the world will have changed. Scholarships were not given on anyone's recommendation. Punjab Chief Minister's address at the ceremony to distribute meritorious scholarships at Sargodha University. Wednesday, January 8, 2025 Sargodha (UrduPoint Newspaper Latest. January 08, 2025) Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz says that students should not become the fuel of anyone's lust for power, political opposition can also occur in the realm of civilization, there is no need to burn Jinnah House for political differences, when Hassan Niazi is released after 10 years, the world will have changed, while addressing the ceremony of distributing meritorious scholarships among students at Sargodha University, the Chief Minister of Punjab said that the scholarship was not given on anyone's recommendation.

 Wednesday, January 8, 2025 Karachi (UrduPoint News Toady/ Pakistan Point News - APP. 08 January 2025) Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said that due to the effective policies of the government, economic stability has come to the country and now our goal is to convert it into economic growth. "Udan Pakistan" is a link in this chain that will bring economic prosperity and social development to the country. He expressed these views while addressing the ceremony of receiving the honor of the second best performing stock exchange in the world in 2024 during his visit to the Pakistan Stock Exchange here on Wednesday.

The decision in the 190 million pound case has nothing to do with the PTI talks, suspicion is being raised that the decision is stalled due to the talks, PTI is on record that the talks will not be stopped due to the punishment, Rana Sanaullah Wednesday, January 8, 2025 Islamabad (UrduPoint News Today- IPA - January 08, 2025) Federal Advisor on Political Affairs Rana Sanaullah has said that there is no pressure on the government from anywhere to release the founder of PTI, the decision in the 190 million pound case has nothing to do with the PTI negotiations, suspicion is being raised that the decision is stalled due to the negotiations, PTI is on record that the negotiations will not be stopped by the punishment. He said while holding a news conference that the people around Imran Khan who are associated with him, who are also his spokespersons, and convey his every message to the party and the people, their behavior is a sign that anything can be expected from such people, and they c...

 There is no major public health risk, the patient was infected with the H5N1 virus through contact with domestic and wild birds. Louisiana State Department of Health statement Tuesday, January 7, 2025 Washington (UrduPoint News Today/ Latest News - International Press Agency. January 07, 2025) The first death due to bird flu has been reported in the United States, but health officials say there is no major risk to the public. According to the American broadcasting organization, bird flu cases in animals and humans have once again sounded the alarm for scientists and there are fears that it could take the form of a deadly epidemic.