Ali Akbar, who's sold newspapers on the streets of Paris for 50 years, is now a knight

Ali Akbar sells newspapers in the Latin Quarter in Paris in September 2025. The Pakistani-born 73-year-old is believed to be the last remaining newspaper vendor in the French capital, and was awarded a knighthood by France

For decades, Ali Akbar has sold papers on the Left Bank of Paris. Last month, France gave the beloved 73-year-old immigrant from Pakistan one of its highest honors — and his neighborhood is cheering.

(Image credit: GUILLAUME BAPTISTE)