His legal career began with his enrollment as an advocate in subordinate courts in 1990.[2] He was admitted to the Sindh High Court in 1992 and the Supreme Court of Pakistan in 2009.[2] Akhtar's practice focused on the Supreme Court and High Courts, specializing in civil law with an emphasis on commercial, corporate, arbitration, and taxation matters. Additionally, he taught law at Hamdard University Law School for a year, specifically a course on Human Rights.[2]
Akhtar was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Sindh High Court in 2009 and was confirmed in this role in 2011.[2] His judicial experience includes serving on both original and appellate side benches, dealing with civil, corporate, criminal, tax, and labor/service law, mainly at the Principal Seat and at Sukkur and Hyderabad.[2]
In administrative capacities, Akhtar has been a chairman or member of several committees, such as the Civil Rules Committee, I.T. Committee, Judicial Studies Board, Promotion Committee, and Procurement Committee. He has also functioned as a Monitoring Judge in various contexts.[2]
Since 2009, Akhtar has held a nominated position as chairman or member of the board of governors at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA).[2] In 2018, he elevated as a Justice of the Supreme Court of Pakistan.[2]
In May 2024 and May 2025, he assumed the role of acting Chief Justice of Pakistan for a few days while the Chief Justice of Pakistan, was traveling abroad.[4][5][6]