before joining the foreign service of pakistan in november 1965, inam-ul-haq taught english language and literature from 1961–65. from november 1965 to september 1966, after completion of pre-service training of civil servants at civil services academy lahore, his first professional assignment with the government of pakistan was as section officer at the ministry of foreign affairs (pakistan), from september 1966 to january 1968. viewing his capabilities and fortitude, inam-ul-haq was designated as third secretary with the permanent representative of pakistan to the united nations, new york from january 1968 to may 1969. later, the same year, he was posted to lagos, nigeria where he served as second secretary to the embassy of pakistan till july 1971. after completion of his assignment in nigeria, inam-ul-haq was posted to lisbon, portugal in july 1971 as the charge d’ affaires to the embassy of pakistan. in august 1974, inam-ul-haq was sent to kingdom of saudi arabia as the first secretary to the embassy of pakistan where he served till october 1976.