Punjab government has banned the pillion riding on both Ashura days on 9th and 10th of Muharram ul Haram across the province, 24News HD TV channel reported on Tuesday.

To avoid any unpleasant incident on the Ashura, the government had also announced to shut down the mobile service and imposition of Section 144 in Punjab.

Provincial Law Minister Muhammad Basharat Raja has said that they had set up a control room in Lahore to observe law and order across the province.

He confirmed that the Safe City cameras were also being repaired. He said mourning processions would only be allowed on the route.

Raja said as many as 0.4 million police personnel and 35 Rangers and 66 army companies would be on duty on the Ashura days.

The provincial minister said around 36656 Majalis (mourn sittings) and 9328 mourn processions would be held in the province. He confirmed that the government had made alternative arrangements for electricity on the days.