The plan to build a new convention center in Islamabad for next year’s Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit has been put on hold, sources said.

A Chinese company had submitted a bid of Rs. 37 billion for the project. The Capital Development Authority (CDA) wanted the new center completed before September next year.

However, the company said the project could not be completed within one year.

Following the delay, the CDA is now preparing to issue a tender for the renovation and improvement of the existing Islamabad Convention Center.

The SCO summit is now expected to be held at the existing convention center after the proposed new facility was put on hold.