In a major embarrassment for Pakistan, the country’s Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was put through a routine security check at a US airport.

The development comes amid the reports of Donald Trump administration looking into a range of new options, including imposing visa bans to incrementally pressure Pakistan into acting against militants.

A footage aired on Pakistani TV channels showed Abbasi picking up his bag and coat and walking out from a security check.

The incident reportedly took place last week at the JFK airport in New York. Abbasi was on a personal visit to meet his ailing sister.

However Pakistan-based Geo News has suggested that he voluntarily followed the security procedures.

A report also said that Abbasi, however, has a history of making private trips to foreign nations. The PM was previously spotted travelling alone at a train station during his visit to Britain.

Abbasi was sworn in as the 18th prime minister of the country on August 1, following Nawaz Sharif's disqualification.

According to the Times of India report, the treatment given to Pakistan's prime minister was "an 'indignity' that has enraged the Pakistani media.

"He should be ashamed for saying he went on a private visit. He is the prime minister… he has a diplomatic passport …there is no such thing as a private visit," Pakistan TV anchors reacted.

On Tuesday, the US government added seven Pakistani firms to a list of foreign entities that pose a "significant risk" to its national security and interests by allegedly engaging in nuclear trade, denting Islamabad's bid to join the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

A total of 23 entities were added to the list that was published in the US Federal Register last week by the country's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS).