A Rawalpindi-Born Icon of Paris Street Life
Ali Akbar, a 72-year-old newspaper hawker from Rawalpindi, Pakistan, has become a living symbol of Parisian street culture. After 50 years of brightening the boulevards of St-Germain-des-Prés, Akbar has been awarded France’s highest civilian honour — the Légion d’Honneur — by President Emmanuel Macron.
The Last Newspaper Hawker in France
Akbar is believed to be the last-known newspaper hawker in France, a vanishing figure from a bygone era. Known for his cheerful cry of “Ça y est!” and creative, witty headlines, he’s brought joy to countless Parisians since he began in 1974. Despite enduring homelessness, racism, and endless bureaucracy, Akbar never gave up.
From Rawalpindi to the Élysée Palace
Born into poverty in 1953, he left school at 12, journeyed across continents, and finally found home in Paris. His mission? To provide a better life for his mother. Today, he is not just a hawker — he’s a cultural icon.
A True Parisian Legend
Ali Akbar’s story is one of resilience, humour, and heart — and now, with the Légion d’Honneur, it’s official: this Rawalpindi-born hawker is a national treasure in France.
