Paris, August 5, 2025 – Ali Akbar, a Pakistan-born newspaper vendor, will receive one of France’s highest civilian honours after selling newspapers on Paris streets for over 50 years.
The 72-year-old came from Rawalpindi to France in 1973 and started selling papers soon after. Today, he is Paris’s last street newspaper seller, serving generations of locals and visitors. Rain or shine, Ali Akbar greets customers with a smile.
His dedication has turned him into a symbol of resilience and a reminder of a fading tradition in the digital age. In September, French President Emmanuel Macron will award him the National Order of Merit for his decades of service.
The honour ranks among France’s most prestigious awards, given for outstanding civil or military service.