LAHORE: Lahore, almost breathlessly, is awaiting the arrival of His Imperial Majesty the Shahinshah of Iran who is expected here tomorrow [March 8] afternoon. He is the first Muslim King since the hectic days of Ahmad Shah Abdali to visit this former capital of many Muslim kings and the seat of their many grand historical activities. All arrangements are complete with the arrival... of the Prime Minister of Pakistan, Mr Liaquat Ali Khan, who is to head the Reception Party at the Lahore Cantonment Aerodrome.

Lahore, which has the closest cultural ties with Iran, has for its Royal Guest arranged a great welcome full of splendour and brilliance. Special attention has been paid to the many landmarks of Muslim art and culture which abound the city. The Shalamar Garden, where His Imperial Majesty the Shahinshah of Iran is to receive the civic address of welcome on Thursday, has been renovated.

Today, it wears an atmosphere of artistic grandeur reminding us of its erstwhile beautiful scenes so typical of Mughal refinement.

Hundreds of fountains in the midst of water courses and pools in three terraces have been repaired so as to function as in their early days.