تازہ ترین

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    Hrithik Roshan recalls father’s financial crisis after Koyla setback

    ByJustpaste.in

    Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan has opened up about one of the most emotional periods in his family’s life, recalling the financial difficulties his father, filmmaker Rakesh Roshan, faced following the commercial disappointment of Shah Rukh Khan’s 1997 film Koyla. The 52-year-old actor recently spoke about his father’s struggles and revealed that there was a time when Rakesh Roshan lost a significant portion of the money he had earned throughout his career. According to Hrithik, the setback was severe enough to create financial difficulties for the family and left a lasting impression on him. Recalling the difficult period, Hrithik said he still remembers a particular morning when he saw his father with tears in his eyes for the first time. The actor explained that Rakesh Roshan had told him that he had lost all the money he had earned. For Hrithik, witnessing his father in such a vulnerable state was an experience he could never forget. He described the moment as extremely emotional because he had never previously seen his father so broken and distressed. Rakesh Roshan had produced Koyla under his production banner Filmkraft Productions. The action thriller featured Shah Rukh Khan and Madhuri Dixit in the lead roles, alongside Amrish Puri, Deepa Sahi, Ashok Saraf, Johnny Lever and several other prominent actors. Released in 1997, Koyla revolved around Shankar, played by Shah Rukh Khan, a mute and loyal coal miner who works in a coal mine. The film combined action, romance and drama and was one of the major productions associated with Rakesh Roshan’s production house at the time. Despite its scale and star-studded cast, the film failed to achieve the level of commercial success that had been expected. It was reportedly made on a budget of around Rs 12 crore and earned approximately Rs 28 crore worldwide. Although the film recovered a significant amount at the box office, its overall commercial performance was considered disappointing in relation to its investment and expectations. The experience became an important chapter in Hrithik Roshan’s understanding of his father’s professional and personal journey. Years later, the actor has established himself as one of Bollywood’s leading stars, while Rakesh Roshan has continued to remain an influential filmmaker and producer. The father-son duo is now preparing to return to the superhero franchise that has been closely associated with their careers. Hrithik and Rakesh Roshan are currently involved in preparations for Krrish 4, the next installment in the popular superhero series. Hrithik’s recent recollection offers a rare glimpse into the challenges his family faced behind the glamour of Bollywood and highlights the personal impact that professional setbacks can have, even on established filmmakers.

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    Armed men storm prison van, free murder suspect on…

    ByJustpaste.in

    JHELUM: In a major security lapse, armed men intercepted a prison van on the busy GT Road near Mandra and forcibly freed a murder suspect who was being taken back to District Jail Jhelum after appearing in court. The escape involved Malik Hamad, who is facing a murder case registered with Saddar Beruni police. He had initially been held at Adiala Central Jail before being transferred to Jhelum following the recovery of a mobile phone and other prohibited items during a surprise inspection. Hamad was brought to Rawalpindi on Tuesday for a court hearing. While the prison van was returning to Jhelum, it slowed near Galaxy Hotel at Bacha Stop, where another vehicle approached the van. According to sources, the occupants told prison officials that Hamad’s mother was seriously ill and requested a brief meeting with him. Taking advantage of the confusion, several armed men surrounded the van with their vehicles, pulled Hamad out and escaped. The incident immediately triggered a security alert, with senior police and jail officials rushing to the location. Police teams were subsequently formed to track down and arrest the escaped suspect. The incident has raised fresh concerns about the security arrangements for transporting prisoners. It comes weeks after 14 high-risk prisoners escaped from another prison van while returning from Kahuta in late June. All of them were later recaptured following an extensive search operation, while cases were registered against the policemen responsible for their security. Following that escape, Rawalpindi police introduced new standard operating procedures aimed at strengthening prisoner transportation security. The latest incident, however, has renewed questions about whether those measures are being properly implemented. Four policemen reportedly assigned to guard Hamad have been detained for questioning. Sources also claimed that the suspect had links with an influential individual associated with a private housing society. Despite the seriousness of the incident, senior police officials declined to comment publicly, while a search operation to recapture Hamad remained underway.

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    US report urges Pakistan to open up budget and deb…

    ByJustpaste.in

    WASHINGTON: Pakistan needs to improve transparency in its public finances and give Parliament and citizens earlier access to key budget and debt information, according to a new US State Department assessment. The department’s 2026 Fiscal Transparency Report said Pakistan had made progress in making financial information publicly available but still faced important gaps, particularly in the timely release of its proposed budget and disclosure of government liabilities. The report noted that Pakistan’s approved budget and year-end financial reports were easily accessible to the public, including online. However, it found that the government did not release its executive budget proposal within a reasonable timeframe. According to the assessment, publishing the proposed budget earlier would give lawmakers and the public more time to examine the government’s spending and revenue priorities before the document is formally approved. The report also raised concerns over limited public information about government debt, especially liabilities linked to major state-owned enterprises. Greater disclosure, it said, would help provide a clearer picture of the country’s financial position and allow Parliament to better assess potential fiscal risks. Despite these shortcomings, the US assessment acknowledged that Pakistan’s publicly available budget documents contained substantial information on planned government revenues and expenditures, including income from natural resources. Pakistan’s auditing system also received a largely positive assessment. The report said financial information was generally reliable and subject to review by the country’s supreme audit institution, which it found to have an appropriate level of independence under international standards. Audit findings were also made available to the public within a reasonable period. The report found that Pakistan had established legal procedures for awarding natural resource extraction contracts and licences and appeared to follow those rules in practice. It also noted that information on public procurement contracts was accessible and described the legal framework governing the country’s sovereign wealth fund as sound. The State Department identified three major areas where Pakistan could further strengthen fiscal transparency: releasing the executive budget proposal on time, providing more detailed information about government debt, including state-owned enterprise liabilities, and bringing military and intelligence budgets under adequate parliamentary or civilian oversight. Overall, the report did not portray Pakistan’s financial system as broadly opaque. Instead, it recognised several areas of progress while calling for stronger parliamentary scrutiny and greater disclosure of information that could help lawmakers and the public understand the country’s fiscal risks.

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    Three Pakistanis killed in Houthi attack on Red Sea commercial vessel

    ByJustpaste.in

    At least three Pakistani nationals were killed and another sustained injuries after Houthi forces attacked a commercial vessel in the Red Sea, according to Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar. The incident has raised fresh concerns over the safety of Pakistani nationals working aboard commercial ships and the wider security of one of the world’s most important maritime trade routes. Dar confirmed the deaths on Wednesday and strongly condemned the attack, saying that targeting a civilian commercial vessel posed a serious threat to maritime security and international navigation. In a statement posted on X, the deputy prime minister said Pakistan rejected attacks on non-combatant commercial shipping, warning that such incidents put innocent lives at risk and amounted to a violation of international law. He said attacks of this nature could also disrupt freedom of navigation and create further risks for international trade passing through the Red Sea. Pakistan contacts Saudi, Yemen authorities Dar said the Pakistani government was coordinating with Saudi authorities and the internationally recognised government of Yemen to establish further details surrounding the attack. He also instructed the Pakistani embassy in Riyadh to remain in close contact with the relevant authorities and take all necessary steps regarding the deceased Pakistani nationals. The embassy has been directed to facilitate the recovery and repatriation of the victims’ remains to Pakistan, while efforts are also underway to ensure that the injured Pakistani receives all possible assistance. The foreign minister said Islamabad was closely monitoring developments and would maintain contact with the concerned authorities as more information emerged. Islamabad raises concern over Red Sea security Pakistan has repeatedly expressed concern over attacks and threats against commercial shipping in the Red Sea, particularly amid growing instability across the Middle East. On July 22, the Foreign Office warned that continued threats to maritime traffic could undermine freedom of navigation, weaken the rules-based international maritime order and disrupt global commerce. The following day, Pakistan and Saudi Arabia agreed to strengthen coordination aimed at supporting regional peace and security and ensuring the continued movement of legitimate commercial shipping through the Red Sea. The understanding was reached during a telephone conversation between Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman. During the conversation, Sharif strongly condemned Houthi attacks targeting Saudi oil tankers operating in the Red Sea and reiterated Pakistan’s concerns over the potential consequences for regional stability and international trade. Makkah defence pact adds regional dimension The latest attack also comes against the backdrop of growing security cooperation between Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Turkiye. The three countries recently signed the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement, establishing a collective security arrangement under which an armed attack against one member would be treated as an attack against all three. Dar has described the agreement as defensive in character, stressing that its objective is to contribute to peace, stability and prosperity rather than escalate regional tensions. Naqvi visits Iran amid diplomatic efforts The latest Red Sea incident occurred as Pakistan stepped up diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions in the wider Middle East. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi is currently in Iran, where he held meetings with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. During his meeting with Pezeshkian, Naqvi conveyed a special message from Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Chief of Defence Forces and Chief of Army Staff Field Marshal Asim Munir, according to sources. Sources said Naqvi also briefed the Iranian president about the Makkah Joint Defence Agreement and discussed regional security developments. Pakistan and Qatar have been involved in diplomatic efforts to help de-escalate the conflict, which has resulted in thousands of deaths, particularly in Iran and Lebanon, following US and Israeli attacks on Iran on February 28. Shipping attacks fuel fears over global trade The latest violence comes as tensions surrounding critical maritime routes remain elevated. The United States and Houthi forces reported separate attacks involving shipping on Tuesday, adding to concerns that diplomatic efforts to end the broader Middle East conflict could face further obstacles. The Gulf of Oman and the Red Sea are strategically important waterways, with the Strait of Hormuz and the Red Sea serving as major routes for global energy and commercial shipments. Any prolonged disruption to these routes could increase transportation costs, affect energy markets and create further pressure on international supply chains. Iran has reiterated that the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed unless Washington accepts its conditions, adding to uncertainty surrounding the future of maritime traffic through the strategically vital waterway. Despite the worsening security environment, Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said on Tuesday that the United States and Iran were moving closer to a possible agreement. Speaking to Bloomberg News, Asif said recent developments suggested that negotiations could again be moving in the direction of a peace arrangement. Qatar, which has also been involved in mediation efforts, has said discussions concerning the management of maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz had reached an advanced stage.

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    CPEC 2.0: Pakistan, China shift focus to B2B investment

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and China are moving toward a more business-driven model of cooperation under the second phase of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), with greater emphasis on Business-to-Business (B2B) partnerships, industrial development, exports and productivity rather than large-scale Government-to-Government (G2G) financing. The development emerged during a high-level Chinese delegation’s visit to the CPEC Secretariat, where discussions focused on strengthening industrial and commercial ties between the two countries. According to an official statement issued by the Ministry of Planning on Tuesday, the Chinese delegation was headed by Sun Dongsheng, Senior Advisor, Economic Affairs Press. The delegation met Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal, along with senior policymakers and development experts. The talks centred on ways to advance B2B and industrial cooperation under CPEC 2.0, reflecting a broader shift in the corridor’s priorities from infrastructure-led development toward industrialisation, exports, technology and private-sector participation. From infrastructure to industrialisation During the meeting, Ahsan Iqbal briefed the Chinese delegation on the government’s Uraan Pakistan economic transformation programme and outlined Islamabad’s priorities for the next phase of CPEC. The minister proposed closer cooperation with Chinese institutions, including counterparts of the National Centre of New Manufacturing, to benefit from China’s experience in advanced manufacturing, innovation, automation and robotics. He said Pakistan needed to strengthen its productive capacity and adopt modern technologies to remain competitive in the era of Industrial Revolution 4.0 and prepare for the emerging Industrial Revolution 5.0. Ahsan Iqbal identified Pakistan’s limited export base as one of the country’s major economic challenges. According to the minister, repeated attempts to accelerate economic growth have struggled to generate sustainable momentum because productive sectors have not been sufficiently integrated with export markets. He stressed that the government’s priority was therefore to turn agriculture, manufacturing and other productive sectors into stronger sources of exports and foreign exchange. Pakistan seeks greater access to Chinese market The minister also called for greater facilitation of Pakistani exports to China, highlighting the considerable gap between the two countries’ trade potential. He noted that China imports goods worth around $2.6 trillion annually, whereas Pakistan’s exports to the Chinese market remain close to $3 billion. Ahsan said Pakistan needed to increase its presence in the Chinese market by improving production standards, competitiveness and the ability of domestic businesses to meet international demand. He expressed the expectation that CPEC 2.0 could help Pakistan address what he described as its “export deficit”, just as the first phase of the corridor contributed to addressing the country’s energy shortfall. CPEC enters a new phase Under CPEC’s first phase, China committed substantial financing to infrastructure, energy and other development projects in Pakistan. Nearly $30 billion was invested in infrastructure and power-sector projects, including independent power producers. However, the focus is now increasingly shifting toward private-sector-led cooperation. Islamabad continues to pursue financing for selected road and motorway projects, but China has yet to demonstrate readiness to finance the long-delayed Main Line-1 (ML-1) railway upgrade, which had previously been regarded as one of CPEC’s flagship projects. The latest consultations indicate that CPEC 2.0 is expected to rely more heavily on commercial partnerships between Pakistani and Chinese companies. The government has already been encouraging enterprises from both countries to explore joint ventures and investment opportunities in sectors including manufacturing, agriculture and mining. Ahsan Iqbal said recent agreements between Pakistani and Chinese companies showed that B2B cooperation was beginning to gain momentum. He expressed confidence that stronger business-to-business engagement would support the modernisation of Pakistan’s industrial and agricultural sectors while creating opportunities for investment, employment and exports. China stresses productive capacity Sun Dongsheng reaffirmed the importance China attaches to its longstanding relationship with Pakistan and highlighted the achievements of CPEC’s first phase. He called for further cooperation in industrial and agricultural development, particularly in strengthening Pakistan’s productive capacity. The Chinese delegation also stressed the importance of involving small and medium-sized manufacturing enterprises in bilateral economic cooperation. Greater enterprise-to-enterprise engagement, according to the delegation, could help create commercially sustainable partnerships and expand opportunities for businesses in both countries. The discussions also focused on technology transfer, innovation, skills development and the creation of stronger industrial linkages. Five Corridors aligned with Uraan Pakistan Officials also discussed the strategic relationship between the Five Corridors of CPEC 2.0 and Pakistan’s 5Es framework under Uraan Pakistan. The government’s 5Es framework focuses on exports, e-Pakistan, environment and climate change, energy and infrastructure, and equity and empowerment. The participants stressed that alignment between the two initiatives needed to translate into concrete economic outcomes, including new enterprises, technology adoption, innovation, employment opportunities, skills development, increased exports and higher investment. The delegation was also briefed on the progress achieved during CPEC Phase I and Pakistan’s priorities for the second phase. The consultations suggest that the next stage of CPEC will increasingly be measured not only by the volume of infrastructure investment but also by its ability to improve Pakistan’s industrial competitiveness, expand exports, attract private investment and create sustainable employment.

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    Banks, SBP and PSX to remain closed for three days

    ByJustpaste.in

    Banks and other financial institutions across Pakistan will observe a three-day closure from August 14 to August 16 in connection with Independence Day and the regular weekend holidays. According to a circular issued by the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), the central bank, commercial banks, financial institutions and the Pakistan Stock Exchange (PSX) will remain closed on Friday, August 14, which has been declared a public holiday on account of Independence Day. The closure will be followed by the regular weekend holidays on Saturday and Sunday, August 15 and 16, respectively. As a result, banking and stock market activities will remain suspended for three consecutive days. The holiday schedule is expected to affect routine banking operations, including branch-based customer services and other in-person transactions. Customers who need to visit bank branches or carry out services that require physical processing have been advised to plan their transactions accordingly. However, the closure will not affect digital banking facilities. The SBP said automated teller machines (ATMs), internet banking and other online banking services will continue to operate during the holidays. Customers will therefore be able to access cash through ATMs and use digital channels for eligible transactions throughout the three-day break. Regular banking and financial market operations are expected to resume on Monday, August 17, when banks, financial institutions and the stock market reopen after the Independence Day holiday and weekend.

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    Electricity tariff likely to increase by Rs1 per unit from next month

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: Electricity consumers across Pakistan may face higher power bills from next month as electricity distribution companies have approached the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) seeking a quarterly tariff adjustment. According to sources, the proposed adjustment could result in an increase of around Rs1 per unit in electricity prices during the upcoming quarter. The distribution companies have submitted their adjustment request to NEPRA, which will examine the figures and determine the impact on consumers under the applicable quarterly tariff mechanism. Sources said the expected increase is linked to the expiry of the existing quarterly adjustment relief. Under the current arrangement, consumers are receiving a relief of Rs1.99 per unit, which is scheduled to expire at the end of the current month. With the relief ending, electricity tariffs are expected to rise for consumers across the country from next month, subject to NEPRA’s approval of the proposed adjustment. The quarterly tariff adjustment mechanism is used to pass on changes in electricity generation costs and other relevant expenses to consumers. Depending on the regulator’s assessment, the resulting adjustment can either increase or reduce electricity bills. The proposed increase is likely to add to the financial burden on households and businesses already facing elevated electricity costs. Consumers are now awaiting NEPRA’s decision, which will determine the final impact on electricity tariffs in the upcoming quarter. NEPRA is expected to review the distribution companies’ submissions before announcing its decision. The final adjustment may differ from the amount initially sought by the power distribution companies following the regulator’s scrutiny of the data and applicable costs.

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    Zara Noor Abbas grabs attention with slimmer figure

    ByJustpaste.in

    Pakistani actress Zara Noor Abbas has left fans surprised with her noticeably slimmer appearance and a fresh new look. The actress, who is known for her strong performances and distinctive personality, has recently been sharing pictures on social media that highlight a visible transformation in her physique and fashion style. Zara Noor Abbas enjoys a strong following among Pakistani entertainment fans, with more than 6.7 million followers on Instagram. She is married to actor Asad Siddiqui, and the couple welcomed their daughter, Noor Jahan, in 2024. Since becoming a mother, Zara has continued to remain active in the entertainment industry while also frequently sharing glimpses of her personal and professional life with her followers. The actress recently attracted considerable attention for her performance in the drama Dil Dhoondta Hai Phir Wohi. Her appearance in the project also became a topic of discussion after she gained weight for the role. While her transformation was connected to her professional work, it unfortunately exposed her to criticism and body-shaming comments on social media. However, Zara has now surprised her followers with a noticeably different appearance. In recent social media posts, the actress has been seen wearing a variety of Western-style outfits while confidently showing off her slimmer figure. Her latest pictures have sparked considerable discussion among fans, with many noticing the difference in her overall appearance and styling. The actress appears to have embraced a more confident and contemporary fashion aesthetic. Her recent looks include stylish Western outfits that complement her changed physique, while her overall presentation reflects a renewed sense of confidence. Fans have responded to Zara’s transformation with mixed reactions. Many praised her new look and complimented her fashion choices, saying that she appears stylish and confident. Others, however, pointed out that the actress had always looked beautiful and questioned why she felt the need to lose weight in the first place. Her dramatic change in appearance has also led to speculation among some social media users. A few commenters attempted to link her weight loss to Ozempic, a medication that has gained widespread attention because of its association with weight management. However, there is no confirmed information that Zara used Ozempic, and such speculation remains unverified. Despite the discussions surrounding her transformation, Zara has continued to confidently share her latest pictures with her followers. Her recent appearance has once again placed her in the spotlight, with fans closely following her evolving style and fitness journey. Whether discussing her acting, fashion choices, or personal transformation, Zara Noor Abbas continues to attract significant attention online. Her latest weight-loss transformation has generated a wide range of reactions, but the actress appears comfortable with her new look and is embracing her changing style with confidence.

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    PTA fines CM Pak Rs77.8 Million for SIM sales Geo-fencing violation

    ByJustpaste.in

    ISLAMABAD: The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) has imposed a fine of Rs77.8 million on China Mobile Pakistan (CM Pak) after determining that the operator failed to ensure compliance with mandatory geo-fencing rules governing biometric verification system (BVS) devices used for SIM sales. The regulatory action followed a field inspection in which the PTA found that an authorised sales representative linked to CM Pak’s Taxila franchise was selling SIMs from a location in Islamabad that fell outside the approved geographical area of the franchise. According to the PTA’s enforcement order, the inspection was carried out on March 30, 2026. During the inspection, the regulator discovered that a Data Sales Officer (DSO) associated with the Taxila franchise was conducting SIM sales at I-10 Markaz, Islamabad. The location was not within the authorised territorial jurisdiction or designated geo-location of the franchise. The PTA also found that the sales activity had been conducted without the required Door-to-Door/Kiosk approval from the regulator. Geo-fencing requirement The PTA’s regulatory framework requires BVS devices used for SIM issuance to remain within a prescribed distance of the approved sales location. Under the mandatory geo-fencing mechanism, such devices must operate within 100 metres of the designated geo-location of an authorised sales channel. The purpose of the requirement is to ensure that biometric devices are not moved to unauthorised locations for SIM issuance. The mechanism is also designed to strengthen oversight of SIM sales, prevent misuse of biometric verification equipment and improve the traceability of subscriber registrations. The regulator made it clear that SIM sales outside an approved geo-location are not permitted unless prior approval has been obtained from the PTA. CM Pak challenges regulatory action CM Pak contested the proposed enforcement proceedings, maintaining that the incident was an isolated operational lapse involving an individual DSO rather than evidence of a broader failure in the company’s compliance system. The operator argued that the SIMs concerned had been issued only after the required biometric verification process had been successfully completed. It further stated that the transactions were properly recorded and remained traceable through the prescribed systems. CM Pak also maintained that there had been no issuance of fake or anonymous SIMs, no bypass of biometric verification and no failure in the verification process conducted through the National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA). The company told the regulator that it had taken disciplinary and corrective measures after being informed of the violation. These measures included issuing a show-cause notice and warning letter to the concerned franchise and terminating the services of the DSO involved in the incident. CM Pak also said it had circulated compliance instructions across its network and strengthened internal monitoring mechanisms to prevent similar incidents in the future. PTA rejects defence The PTA, however, did not accept the company’s argument that successful biometric verification should be treated as sufficient compliance. The authority ruled that biometric verification and geo-fencing constitute separate regulatory requirements. While biometric verification is intended to establish the identity of a subscriber, geo-fencing controls where the SIM sale and verification process can legally take place. According to the regulator, compliance with one requirement does not eliminate the obligation to comply with the other. The PTA observed that allowing BVS devices to operate beyond their authorised locations could weaken the regulatory controls established for SIM issuance, regardless of whether the subscriber’s biometric verification was successfully completed. The regulator also rejected CM Pak’s position that responsibility for the incident could primarily be attributed to the franchise or individual sales officer. Under the applicable Subscribers Antecedents Verification Regulations and licence conditions, the PTA maintained that the licensed operator carries direct responsibility for ensuring that its authorised sales network complies with regulatory requirements. Corrective action not enough to erase violation The authority further noted that steps taken by an operator after a violation has been detected can potentially serve as mitigating factors but cannot remove the violation itself. The PTA stressed that geo-fencing is a substantive regulatory safeguard rather than a procedural requirement that can be overlooked if other verification mechanisms are functioning properly. It said allowing subsequent corrective measures to effectively neutralise an established breach could undermine the purpose of mandatory compliance requirements and weaken regulatory oversight of SIM issuance. After reviewing the show-cause notice, CM Pak’s written responses, compliance report and submissions made during the hearing, the PTA concluded that the operator had failed to maintain adequate supervision and regulatory control over its authorised sales channel. Rs77.8m penalty imposed Based on its findings, the PTA held CM Pak liable under Section 23 of the Pakistan Telecommunication (Re-organization) Act, 1996. The authority subsequently imposed a penalty of Rs77.8 million (Rs77,800,000) on the company and directed it to deposit the amount within 10 days of receiving the enforcement order. The PTA warned that failure to pay the penalty within the specified period could result in further proceedings or action under the applicable law.

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    Nick Jonas reveals daughter Malti’s unusual ‘Camp Rock’ order

    ByJustpaste.in

    Nick Jonas has shared a heartwarming update about his daughter Malti’s introduction to the “Camp Rock” franchise. He opened up about the moment during the premiere of the highly anticipated “Camp Rock 3.” Speaking with E! News on Monday, August 10, the 33-year-old revealed that he and wife Priyanka Chopra decided to show their four-year-old the third film first. Nick joked that this unconventional approach actually works in her favour. He explained that Malti has not seen the first two instalments yet, but called that part of the charm. According to him, she’ll essentially be discovering the franchise backwards. Nick predicted that Malti will likely move on to “Camp Rock 2: The Final Jam” next. He suggested this reverse-order approach might actually become how many newcomers discover the franchise going forward. He added that plenty of families will probably start with the newest film before circling back to the originals. Nick said Malti loved it, and he expects young viewers worldwide will feel the same way. “Camp Rock 3” marks a major reunion for the Jonas Brothers, with Nick, Joe and Kevin returning as Connect 3 members Nate, Shane and Jason Gray. Demi Lovato is also making her comeback as Mitchie Torres, eight years after the original film helped launch her Disney career. Maria Canals-Barrera returns as well, reprising her role as Mitchie’s mother and camp director. Lovato has described her return as deeply nostalgic, saying the character holds a special place in her heart. The film’s plot follows Connect 3 after their opening act unexpectedly drops out ahead of a reunion tour. That forces the band to return to Camp Rock in search of fresh new talent. The new cast is led by Liamani Segura and Malachi Barton, joined by Lumi Pollack, Sherry Cola and Hudson Stone. Together, they bring a fresh generation of characters into the long-running franchise. “Camp Rock 3” is set to premiere on Disney Channel on August 13. It will become available for streaming on Disney+ the following day, giving fans multiple ways to catch the long-awaited sequel.