His first book, Diwaar-e-aab (1982) won Adam Jee award, the highest literary distinction at that time in the country. His two subsequent books in Urdu poetry, Ghadr and Paree-zaad hit the stalls in 1986 and 1995 respectively. His fourth book, Paani peh Bichha Takht, was conferred another honour, Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal award, in 2003, and was received with much critical acclaim. Izhar ul Haq's kulliyat (complete works) of poetry, "Kai Mausam Guzar Gaye Mujh Par", consisting of his earlier four books of poetry in one volume, was published in 2012.