Pakistani Newspaper Vendor in Paris to Receive Top Civilian Honour

PARIS: A Pakistani-born newspaper vendor who has been selling newspapers on the streets of Paris for over 50 years will be awarded one of France’s highest civilian honours.

Ali Akbar, 72, is regarded as the last street newspaper seller in Paris who still sells papers directly to passersby. Originally from Rawalpindi, he arrived in France in 1973 and began working as a newspaper vendor soon after.

French President Emmanuel Macron will present Ali Akbar with the National Order of Merit in September in recognition of his decades of service.

The National Order of Merit is awarded by the French government to individuals for distinguished civil or military achievements.