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Rat-children or chuas are children or adults with microcephaly, exploited as beggars situated in Gujrat City, particularly the Shrine of Saint Shah Dola, [1] and elsewhere in Pakistan. They have sloping foreheads, narrow faces that resemble rodents, and are often intellectually disabled and dependent on others. [2]
Begging rings and gangs allegedly place iron bands around the heads of healthy children to induce cranial deformation. [2] The mazaar of Shah Dolah, home to many of the rat children, is a common pilgrimage site for women and married couples who wish to bear children. Ignoring a rat child's plea for money is thought to bring bad luck. [3]