From Rawalpindi to Paris: The Last Newspaper Seller Standing
Rawalpindi’s Akbar Ali is Paris’s last newspaper vendor, winning hearts with funny headlines and decades of charm on the streets of the French capital.
Akbar Ali, a man from Rawalpindi, has become a cultural icon in Paris as the last newspaper vendor in the city. For over 50 years, he has pedaled through the Latin Quarter selling newspapers with a twist—shouting out funny, made-up headlines that make people laugh and stop to buy a copy.
He moved to France in 1972 and started selling newspapers on the streets without any formal work documents. Over time, his charming personality and humorous headlines made him a beloved figure in Parisian cafés and bookstores. While most street newspaper vendors have disappeared due to the rise of digital media, Akbar stayed loyal to the streets, becoming the last of his kind.
He mostly sells French newspapers like Le Monde and Le Figaro, but what truly attracts customers is his theatrical delivery. He once shouted “Monica’s pregnant by Bill Clinton! Twins!” or “Strauss-Kahn caught with a goat!”—completely made-up lines that amused the public and boosted his sales. Locals in Paris say they wait for his unique calls every day.
Even now in his 60s, Akbar works seven days a week, riding his bicycle from one spot to another. Many famous writers, artists, and politicians know him personally. He’s been featured in street murals and has written two autobiographies in French, sharing his life journey from Pakistan to France.
Although he now sells fewer newspapers than before—around 50 a day compared to 200 in the past—his spirit and dedication have made him a symbol of resilience. In a world going digital, Akbar represents tradition, human connection, and the joy of storytelling. His story is a reminder that sometimes, it’s the smallest roles that leave the biggest impact.
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