He won the 1989 and 1991 South Asian Games with Pakistan captaining the national side in the former edition, and was the starting goalkeeper at the 1990 FIFA World Cup qualification in the country's first participation in the tournament.
[3][4][5] Akhtar played for WAPDA throughout his career at the National Football Championship.
He was also borrowed by Wohaib FC to take part in the 1992–93 Asian Club Championship.
[6] Akhtar made his international debut at the Merdeka Tournament in 1984, where he was praised for his performance.
[7][8] He was the starting goalkeeper and captain at the 1990 FIFA World Cup qualification in the country's first participation in the tournament, featuring in all the four games.