ISLAMABAD, Feb 17: The cellular phone companies are flouting the government's decision regarding verification of intending subscribers' credentials while issuing new connections, a source told Dawn.

Recently, the interior ministry had obligated all mobile phone operators to verify the credentials of intending subscribers through the National Database and Registration Authority's record with effect from February 1, 2005. Except for one, all such companies are violating the government's instructions, and verification is yet to be initiated, the source said.

By implementing the decision, mobile phone operators can easily bar the unscrupulous elements from obtaining the connections on fake identity documents, the source said.

The decision to this effect was taken during an inter- provincial law and order conference held at Lahore late last year. It aimed at hunting down terrorists and other outlaws, the source said

Though the set deadline has passed away, no concrete step with regard to implementation of the decision has yet been taken, while the departments concerned, including the interior ministry, are keeping mum, the source said.