US EditionPakistani-Born Newspaper Vendor in Paris to Receive Top French Honour
PARIS, FRANCE, AUG 4 – Ali Akbar, the last newspaper vendor in Paris' Latin Quarter, will be honoured for over 50 years of dedication despite declining print sales, selling about 20 copies daily, officials said.
- Ali Akbar, a 73-year-old newspaper vendor from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, sells newspapers in Paris' Latin Quarter and will receive France's National Order of Merit in September.
- Akbar moved to France in 1973 and began hawking papers like Charlie Hebdo as kerb-side sellers declined due to television and digital news.
- He manages to sell around twenty copies of Le Monde during a typical eight-hour shift, using humor and a positive attitude to engage customers despite declining demand for newspapers.
- Akbar explained that his approach focuses on connecting with people emotionally rather than financially, expressing his fondness for the tactile experience of paper while showing little interest in digital tablets.
- His commitment ensures newspaper vending continues in Paris, making him a familiar presence, while Akbar plans to keep selling papers for as long as he remains able.
11 Articles
11 Articles
Pakistani-born newspaper vendor in Paris to receive top French honour
A 73-year-old newspaper vendor originally from Pakistan is set to receive one of France’s most prestigious honors after more than 50 years of selling dailies on the terraces of cafes and restaurants in Paris’ fashionable Latin Quarter. Ali Akbar began hawking newspapers after moving to France in 1973, employing a blend of humor and energy to charm locals and ward off falling sales. In September, President Emmanuel Macron will make him a knight o…
Colorado Springs Gazette
Read all about it! Macron to honour Paris' last newspaper hawker with medal
By Noemie Olive
Read all about it! Macron to honor Paris' last newspaper hawker
PARIS — A 73-year-old newspaper vendor originally from Pakistan is set to receive one of France's most prestigious honors after more than 50 years of selling dailies on the terraces of cafes and restaurants in Paris' fashionable Latin Quarter.
Macron To Honour Pakistan-born Newspaper Hawker With Medal
PARIS: A 73-year-old newspaper vendor originally from Pakistan is set to receive one of France’s most prestigious honours after more than 50 years of selling dailies on the terraces of cafes and restaurants in Paris’ fashionable Latin Quarter. Ali Akbar began hawking newspapers after moving to France in 1973, employing a blend of humour and energy to charm locals and ward off falling sales. In September, President Emmanuel Macron will make him a…
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