ISLAMABAD: In a heartening recognition of immigrant dedication and culturalintegration, French President Emmanuel Macron has conferred one of France’shighest civilian honours on Ali Akbar, a 73-year-old Pakistani-originnewspaper vendor who has become an iconic figure in Paris. The award,making him a Knight of the National Order of Merit, celebrates over fivedecades of unwavering service selling newspapers on the streets of thehistoric Latin Quarter. Macron personally pinned the insignia during aceremony at the Élysée Palace, hailing Akbar as an embodiment of Frenchvalues despite his foreign origins.
The National Order of Merit, established in 1963, ranks among France’spremier distinctions for exceptional contributions to the nation incivilian or military spheres. It is awarded for distinguished service,often involving bravery, loyalty, or long-term societal benefit. In Akbar’scase, the honour acknowledges his preservation of a vanishing Parisiantradition—street newspaper hawking—at a time when digital media has largelysupplanted print sales. Reports indicate he is widely regarded as the lastremaining newspaper hawker in France, a role he has fulfilled withremarkable consistency since arriving in the country in 1973.
Ali Akbar’s journey began in Rawalpindi, Pakistan, where he grew up facingeconomic hardship. Seeking better prospects, he migrated to Europe,initially working on a cruise liner before settling in Paris. He startedselling newspapers in the early 1970s, focusing on the vibrantSaint-Germain-des-Prés district known for its literary cafes andintellectual heritage. His cheerful demeanor, signature shout of “Ça yest!” (meaning “That’s it!” or “Here we go!”), and personal engagement withcustomers endeared him to locals, celebrities, and politicians alike.Notably, a young Emmanuel Macron was among his regular buyers during hisstudent days near the Sorbonne.
Over the past 50 years, Akbar has navigated challenges includinghomelessness, poverty, physical attacks, and the steady decline of thenewspaper industry. Despite these obstacles, he maintained his dailyroutine, rain or shine, becoming a living symbol of resilience andadaptation. French media and international outlets have frequently profiledhim as a bridge between cultures, with his story inspiring books anddocumentaries. Macron, in his address, described Akbar’s path as an”incredible destiny,” thanking him for carrying France in his heart andcontributing to the nation’s civic fabric.
The ceremony underscored themes of immigration and integration, with Macroncalling Akbar “the most French of the French” and “the accent of the 6tharrondissement.” He praised the vendor’s warm voice echoing through cafeterraces for decades, weaving into the daily life of Parisians. Akbar,visibly moved and surrounded by his wife and children, expressed profoundgratitude and joy upon receiving the knighthood. “That’s it, I’m a knight!I’ve made it!” he declared, encapsulating a moment of personal triumph foran overseas Pakistani who has long embodied quiet perseverance.
This recognition extends beyond an individual achievement, spotlighting thebroader contributions of the Pakistani diaspora in Europe. OverseasPakistanis, numbering millions worldwide, often engage in modestprofessions yet demonstrate exemplary work ethic and loyalty to hostcountries. Akbar’s story resonates in Pakistan as a source of nationalpride, illustrating how humble beginnings can lead to international acclaimthrough dedication. It also highlights France’s tradition of honouringordinary citizens who enrich public life, reinforcing social cohesion indiverse societies.
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The award arrives amid global discussions on migration and culturalpreservation. As print media fades, Akbar’s persistence in upholding streetjournalism traditions has drawn admiration for safeguarding intangibleheritage. His elevation to knighthood serves as an inspiration forimmigrants everywhere, proving that integration and service can earn thehighest esteem in adoptive homelands.
Source:https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jan/28/le-scoop-france-last-newspaper-hawker-celebrated-ali-akbar-paris
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