Paris: At 72, Ali Akbar, a newspaper vendor originally from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, has become an unlikely icon on the streets of Paris. Having spent over five decades selling newspapers, Akbar is now believed to be France’s last remaining newspaper hawker — a role that has earned him national recognition and immense local affection.

His long-standing dedication and warm personality recently earned him one of the highest civilian honors in France — the Légion d’Honneur — to be formally awarded by President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace this fall.

Akbar’s journey from a teenage migrant in the 1970s — through Afghanistan, Iran, and Greece — to a beloved Parisian figure is a remarkable tale of perseverance. From sleeping under bridges to becoming a cultural staple in Saint-Germain, his story reflects the resilience and spirit of many immigrant workers.

Despite the sharp decline in print media, Akbar continues to sell newspapers daily — now just 40 copies compared to the 300 he once sold. He also supports his family back home and recently launched a small food truck near Jardin du Luxembourg, continuing to serve his community in new ways.

With five sons educated in France and a lifetime of stories to tell, Akbar stands not only as a vendor — but as a living bridge between two cultures.