The first phase of NATO's withdrawal from Afghanistan began Sunday with 25 containers containing military equipment entering Pakistan, media reports said. Dawn News said the convoy of 25 containers was provided with routine security for its journey from Torkham to Karachi.

According to Xinhua, the containers were heading to the port city of Karachi for shipment.

Fawad Khan, who works for private company Bilal Associates responsible for shipment of US cargo from Afghanistan, said his company cleared the US defence equipment at the Torkham border point.

The United States, which currently has more than 60,000 troops in Afghanistan, plans to withdraw several thousands of troops this year.