Meet the last newspaper hawker in Paris, a Pakistani migrant!

A 73-year-old newspaper vendor originally from Pakistan is set to be awarded one of France’s highest civilian honors, recognizing over five decades of dedication to selling newspapers in Paris’ iconic Latin Quarter.

Ali Akbar, who moved to France in 1973, has spent more than 50 years hawking newspapers to café and restaurant patrons, winning hearts with his trademark humor and infectious energy—even as print media declined.

In September, President Emmanuel Macron will officially name Akbar a knight of the National Order of Merit, an honor that celebrates exceptional service to the nation in both civilian and military roles.

Hailing from Rawalpindi in northern Pakistan, Akbar began his career selling copies of the satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo to students at the Sorbonne and nearby schools.

Even in the 1970s, street newspaper vendors were becoming a rarity in Paris as television began to overshadow print as the main news source—a shift that accelerated with the rise of the internet. But Akbar, now the last street vendor of his kind in the French capital, has managed to keep the tradition alive through his charisma, dedication, and joyful spirit.

“I just love the feel of paper,” Akbar said. “I don’t like tablets and all that kind of stuff. But I do love reading—real books, never on screens.”

His selling style is as unique as his story. “I try to make people laugh. I want to bring joy, create a good atmosphere,” he explained. “I aim for their hearts, not their pockets.”

Still, the job has grown tougher in the digital age. “I sell about 20 copies of Le Monde in eight hours,” he said. “Everything is digital now. People just don’t buy newspapers anymore.”

Yet Akbar remains committed to his craft, vowing to continue as long as his health allows.

In a neighborhood now dominated by upscale boutiques and restaurants, where once bookstores flourished and famous philosophers gathered, locals say Akbar remains a cherished symbol of the Latin Quarter’s soul.

“Ali is an institution,” said loyal customer Marie-Laure Carriere. “I buy Le Monde from him every day. But it’s more than that—we have coffee together, sometimes lunch. He’s part of our lives.”