ISLAMABAD, Sept 7: The Queen’s Baton Torch Relay in connection with next year’s Commonwealth Games in Melbourne is due to arrive in Islamabad on Sept11. An advance party comprising Jessica Grant, Andra Hutchins, Brian Elliot and Joseph Castro is expected to reach here on Thursday.

Elaborate arrangements have been made by the Pakistan Olympic Association (POA) and the sports board to hold the baton torch relay in a befitting manner.

The torch relay has to pass through all the Commonwealth countries before the opening of the March 15-26 Games.

According to programme, the chairman of Capital Development Authority (CDA) Kamran Lashari will receive the Queen’s Baton at Jinnah Stadium from the relay crew which is to arrive from Canada.

Lashari will hand over the baton to an athlete marking the official start of the relay.

The baton will be carried by sportspersons attending national training camps, veteran athletes, the cycling squad, the rowing team and special athletes.

The relay which starts from the Jinnah Stadium will culminate at the same point after going through Kashmir Highway, Constitution Avenue, Jinnah Avenue, Faisal Mosque and Rawal Lake.

On its return to the starting point, veteran athletes will take the baton around the Jinnah Stadium before it is taken to the nearby Liaquat Gymnasium where the official ceremony will take place.

A spectacular fireworks display has also been planned for the occasion.