Born on August 05, 1920, Mohammad Ayyub Ansari chose Akhtar as his pen name and thus came to be known as Akhtar Ansari. He migrated to Pakistan following the Partition of India. The literary world recognises him both as a poet and a journalist of merit. He edited Nasheman and Mashriq from Karachi and later, the well know literary journal called Nai Qadrein from Hyderaba (Sindh).

Akhtar ansari published his poetry in collections entitled Kaif-e Nau, Naala Paband-e Nai, Jaam-e Nau, Dil-e Ruswa, and Lab-e Guftaar. His prose works are collected in Nazariyaat, Jamaal-e-Aagahi, Akbar Is Daur Mein, Firdaus-e Mughliya, Nigarishaat, Adabi Rabtey Lisaani Rishtey, Shabd-e Cheen, Shah Abdul Lateef: Hayaat aur Shairi.