Prof. DR. M. A. Arif did his intermediate ( F.Sc) from Govt. College, Lahore in 1959 and MBBS from Dow Medical College, Karachi University in 1966. Thereafter he proceeded to UK to pursue higher studies. While also working in National Health Service, over a period of 10 years, he obtained the qualifications of Diploma in Child Health (DCH) from Royal College of Physicians (London), Membership of Royal Colleges of Physicians , UK ( MRCP) from London , Diploma in Tropical Medicine & Health (DTM&H) from Liverpool, UK.

Over subsequent years, in recognition of his educational services, research and scientific articles published in many international and national journals recognized by international accreditation bodies & and after publication of Textbook of Pediatrics by him he was bestowed with Fellowship of Royal College of Physicians of London (FRCP, Lond), later also Fellowship of Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Glasgow (FRCP, Glasg) and then Senior Fellowship of Royal College of Paediatrics & Child Health of UK on its foundation (FRCPCH, UK).

Thus he is one of the most qualified and honoured child specialists and Professors of Child Health in Pakistan. He returned to Pakistan in 1976 and joined as Assistant Professor of Pediatrics in National Institute of Child Health (NICH), Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre, Karachi. There he established a modern Neonatal Unit for treatment of newborn babies. The President of Pakistan at that time, General Ziaul Haq, approved it as "NEONATAL UNIT" under the Govt. of Pakistan and gave a grant of 3 million rupees, a large sum in those days, for purchase of its equipment etc. Thus this unit of NICH has the honour of being the 'first recognized Neonatology Unit of Pakistan'. President Ziaul Haq also, in a later International Pediatric Conference, awarded him for publishing the first Textbook of Pediatrics in Pakistan as Managing Editor, on of 3 editors and one of the main authors, under auspices of PPA, Rs. 400.000/- for publication of its next volume, which he published in 1992 . He thereafter promoted care of newborn (Neonatology) throughout Pakistan in various conferences and from platform of Pakistan Pediatric Association (PPA) and succeeded in getting "Neonatology Group of PPA" established by PPA as first sub specialty of Pediatrics in Pakistan.

He was also elected by the Neonatology group as its first and its Founder President, for which he is called 'Father of Neonatology' in Pakistan. He also did extensive research in this field and published many research papers in reputed national and international journals. He progressed to being appointed Professor of Pediatrics & Neonatology, and Head of Neonatology in NICH, from where he retired in 2002. He also remained Secretary General of Pakistan Pediatric Association ( PPA) for various terms stretching over 12 years, the longest for any Secretary General, and also President of Sindh branch of Pakistan Pediatric Association for 2 years. He was awarded 'President of Pakistan Gold Medal' originally instituted by President of Pakistan, General Ziaul Haq, for his research, publications and services to Neonatology.

He was also elected as Member of the Standing Committee of International Pedaitric Association (IPA), with its head quarters in USA for 3 years. He published the first Textbook of Pediatrics by name of Textbook of Pediatrics for Developing Countries under the auspices of PPA as its first Managing Editor. Editor and one of its main Authors, having also written for the first time probably for any Textbook of Pediatrics, a seperate "Section of Neonatology" Currently 4th Edition of the same is in use, which still bears his name as one of the authors. He also published a book, as a guide for mothers in Urdu on how to bring up infants called "Nanhay Bachon ki DEkh Bhaal" and a book for children of class (grade) 5, in Urdu, translated into Sindhi by help of Prof. Yasmeen Qazi, with help of UNICEF, after completing a 2 year project on 50 schools, 200 teachers and 1000 students of Thatta and Sujawal areas of Sindh (Pakistan), called "KIRNAIN" i.e. rays of sun in urdu and "KIRNOO" in Sindhi. It contained chapters on health, general well being and socio-cultural good norms, for young and eager minds of about 10 years old children.

Prof. Dr. M. A. Arif also has a long corporate experience having been a Director, Managing Director and CEO of Shan Hospital for Children & Women (Pvt.) Ltd between 2002 and 2020.