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 mazar 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]
