Lahore, Oct 19 : Pakistan authorities have charged a US citizen held in the Tribal Areas with illegal entry and illegal possession of a weapon.

Pakistan Ambassador to US Hussain Haqaani said Juddi Kenan Muhammad had been arrested on Monday at a checkpoint in Mohmand.

He said Muhammad carried a US passport and was travelling to see a friend in Mohmand.

However, he was detained because all foreigners are required to have a permit to enter such areas, the Daily Times reported.

“There is no evidence Muhammad poses a security risk,” the ambassador was quoted as saying.

US State Department spokesman Gordon Duguidas said that the US consul general visited Muhammad in Islamabad on Tuesday and was seeking another visit.

Duguid said the US was providing ‘all possible assistance’ to its citizen, “including helping him find a lawyer”. (ANI)