Hanif was a Pakistani version of the Indian legend actor Dilip Kumar and was introduced in film Hamen Bhi Jeenay Do in 1963. He was very poor in acting. Aarzoo and Mehkhana in 1965 were his most famous movies as hero. He was co-hero with Sudhir, Waheed Murad and Iqbal Yousuf in film Josh (1966). He was also co-hero in Phir Subah Ho Gi (1967) and Samundar (1968). His last film was Akhri Muqadama in 1988.
Hanif was seen in 173 movies, mostly in Urdu movies as supporting actor. He died on July 2, 1990 in Karachi.