Rats of Shah Dola

Rat-children or chuas are children or adults with microcephaly, exploited as beggars situated in Gujrat City, particularly the Shrine of Saint Shah Dola, and elsewhere in Pakistan. They have sloping foreheads, narrow faces that resemble rodents, and are often intellectually disabled and dependent on others.

Begging rings and gangs allegedly place iron bands around the heads of healthy children to induce cranial deformation. 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.