New York: A Pakistani national Uzair Pracha has been formally indicted by United States federal prosecutors on charges of terrorism, providing material support to Osama bin Laden's al-Qaida network and using false documents to facilitate acts of terror.

Paracha, who has legal permanent resident in the US, was charged in a five-count indictment, six months after he was arrested in New York City, with seeking to assist an al-Qaida associate for entering the country. The indictment of October 8 expands the charges against him.

His lawyer said Paracha would plead not guilty.

US attorney general John Ashcroft said that the indictment makes it clear that justice department will investigate and prosecute with same energy and determination those who provide support to terrorists.

If convicted, he faces a maximum of 10 years in prison on two counts and 15 years on two counts and 25 years on one count.

PTI