Abida Shaheen
Islamabad m: For more than five decades, Ali Akbar has been a familiar face on the streets of Paris, selling newspapers and building a quiet connection with generations of readers. This week, his remarkable journey was recognised in a meeting with French Ambassador to Pakistan Nicolas Galey.
Akbar, a Pakistani-origin newspaper vendor who has spent more than 50 years selling newspapers in the French capital, was honoured earlier this year with France’s prestigious Ordre national du Mérite, one of the country’s highest civilian distinctions.
The meeting with Ambassador Galey provided an opportunity to recognise a life defined by hard work, resilience and an enduring commitment to public service.
For generations of Parisians, Akbar has been more than a newspaper seller. His presence on the city’s streets has made him a familiar and trusted figure, connecting readers with the daily press while witnessing the changing face of Paris over more than half a century.
The French honour was conferred in recognition of Akbar’s longstanding contribution to public life and the respect he has earned within the community.
Ambassador Galey praised the distinction as recognition of Akbar’s extraordinary journey and decades-long contribution to the French capital.
The award also represents a rare recognition of the contribution that ordinary working people can make to the social fabric of a city. Through his daily work, Akbar became part of the rhythm of Paris life, serving generations of newspaper readers.
His story is also one of perseverance. Arriving from a Pakistani background and establishing himself through decades of honest work, Akbar’s journey reflects the contribution of migrants and expatriate communities to the societies in which they live.
Members of the Pakistani diaspora in France welcomed the recognition, describing it as a source of pride and a testament to the contributions of Pakistani expatriates.
For the Pakistani community, Akbar’s honour carries significance beyond the individual. It highlights how people of Pakistani origin have contributed to public and community life in France in diverse ways, often through years of dedication away from the spotlight.
The Ordre national du Mérite is awarded by the French Republic for distinguished service and achievement, making Akbar’s recognition particularly notable given his decades of contribution through an ordinary but highly visible profession.
His story has consequently resonated on both sides of the Pakistan-France relationship — celebrating not only individual perseverance but also the human links that underpin ties between the two countries.
After more than 50 years on the streets of Paris, Akbar’s recognition offers a reminder that public service can take many forms, and that a lifetime of dedication to one’s work can leave an enduring mark on a community.
