From Rawalpindi to the Élysée Palace: Paris’ Last Newspaper Hawker Ali Akbar Honored with French Knighthood. -

In a truly inspiring tale of dedication, 74-year-old Ali Akbar, originally from Rawalpindi, has been honored by French President Emmanuel Macron for his five decades of service on the streets of Paris. Ali Akbar, who moved to France in 1973 as an immigrant, became a beloved fixture in the Latin Quarter, where he spent over 50 years selling newspapers at café terraces.

A Journey of Perseverance:

The Recognition: On Wednesday, January 28, 2026, he was awarded knighthood in the National Order of Merit (Ordre National du Mérite) during a special ceremony at the French Presidential Palace.
The “Accent of Paris”: President Macron praised him as the “voice of the French press” and a magnificent example of integration.
Early Days: Ali Akbar began his journey selling publications like Charlie Hebdo and Le Monde to students near the Sorbonne.
Legendary Status: Known for his humor and “inventing” sensational headlines to make people laugh, he is considered a neighborhood institution in the 6th arrondissement.
Legacy: Despite the digital age, Akbar continues to work, receiving a pension of 1,000 euros but choosing to stay on the streets to “keep the tradition alive”.