Anis Ashfaq's primary expertise lies in literary criticism. He has published five seminal critical collections that delve into the interpretation and analysis of both contemporary and classical literature: "Urdu Ghazal Mein Alamat-Nigari" (1995), "Adab Ki Batein" (1996), "Bahas-O-Tanqeed" (2009), "Ghazal Ka Naya Alamaati Nizam" (2011), and "Ghalib: Duniya-e-Ma'ani Ka Mutalea" (2022). Although his critical essays began appearing in literary journals during his student days, it was the publication of "Urdu Ghazal Mein Alamat-Nigari" that solidified his reputation as a distinguished critic.
Beyond criticism, Anis Ashfaq has made significant contributions through translations, sketches, monographs, reportage, travelogues, and biographies. He is currently working on a book that explores the conditions and characteristics of Lucknow as he experienced them in his childhood.