RAWALPINDI, Nov 20: Heightened security at Islamabad Airport had an unintended victim - the airport itself, as the renovation work could not meet its completion deadline of October 30.

On the directive of the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and security agencies, the airport management had to stop renovation work.

Under the airport security protocol anyone working within the premises of the airport during “increased security” is required to be security cleared.

The particulars of the workers on the renovation project have been forwarded to the security agencies for vetting and once the clearance is received work would resume immediately, airport official said. It is expected that the vetting process would be completed this week.

“The security of passengers cannot be compromised simply to meet the deadline. Therefore, it was decided that all security requirements should be followed in letter and spirit,” the official stated.

September 11 attacks on the US also delayed supply of machinery, from foreign suppliers, to be installed at the airport, that included 4 conveyer belts. Two belts each were to be installed in the domestic and international lounges.

The conveyer belts were to be installed by a New Zealand firm, who declined to send its personnel for installation, citing security reasons.

The CAA has decided to send its own men to New Zealand to train them to install conveyor belts, sources revealed.

Also the CAA had to revise its agreements with the contractor firms due to the unforeseen developments.

The Rs68 million refurbishment project was started in May this year, and was expected to be completed by end October. The project envisaged expansion of both domestic and international lounges and enhancement of passenger handling facilities.