Pakistan's religious and minority rights groups rallied in Karachi on Sunday, calling on the government to take steps to improve "security of life and equality" for minorities, ahead of national minorities day in Pakistan on August 11.

Banners seen at the rally read: "We stand with our Hindu, Christian and Sikh siblings” and "Give equal education to minority children.”

Sheema Kermani, a march organizer, said she was demanding an end to "forced conversions," preservation of educational buildings for minorities and improved safety and security at the "places of worship of non-Muslims."

Sardar Ram Singh, who attended the rally, called for improved access to "religious places that have been occupied since the pre-partition era," including "schools, churches, religious places."

AP video by Muhammad Farooq