[15] Chughtai conducted extensive research on Muhammad Iqbal,[16] Goethe, and Syed Ahmad Khan.

He also authored Mutala-e-Azad, focusing on Muhammad Husain Azad, compiled the biography of Deputy Nazir Ahmad, and edited various diaries and memoirs concerning the War of Independence 1857.

Additionally, he curated and analyzed the correspondence of Wajid Ali Shah and conducted research on the works of Khwaja Hasan Nizami.

[15] Chughtai utilized archival documents such as the Delhi College register and Azad's pension records for his research.

He conducted studies in German, French, Persian, and Arabic, which enabled him to access various libraries in Vienna, Berlin, Rome, London, Washington, and Paris.

[13][17] One of his research areas was the early life and academic background of Austrian orientalist Aloys Sprenger.

[17][18] His edited book, Shahān-e-Awadh ke Kutubkhane, is an Urdu translation of Sprenger's A Catalogue of the Arabic, Persian and Hindûstâny Manuscripts, of the Libraries of the King of Oudh.

Some of his notable publications include:[14][29][15][11] Chughtai died on 7 January 2023 at Shaikh Zayed Hospital, Lahore.