He gained prominence during the late 1970s and 1980s.He now practices art at Saeed Akhtar studio in Johar Town Lahore Pakistan. He won the Sitara-e-Imtiaz. Akhtar spent the early part of his life in Quetta, Balochistan. He graduated from National College of Arts, Lahore in 1964 with a major in sculpture. Soon after graduating from NCA, Akhtar joined its teaching staff. His major commission from this time is the portrait of Mohammad Ali Jinnah (1970). The painting currently hangs in the State Bank of Pakistan building in Islamabad. His work has also been displayed in many exhibitions in Pakistan.