JOIN USQureshi invoked Delhi's most revered sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya while commenting on Obama's clear backing for India's aspirations for a permanent Security Council seat.
"I have a message for the people in Delhi – Hunooz Dilli door ast," Qureshi told a news conference at the Foreign Office, using the quote attributed to Nizamuddin Auliya that means 'its still a long way to Delhi'.
The Persian phrase is often used to describe a task that cannot be easily accomplished.
Qureshi suggested that India's efforts to gain a permanent membership could be a long-drawn and complicated process despite Obama's backing for the move.
Qureshi was responding to questions about the proposed expansion of the UN Security Council and Obama's recent endorsement for India's efforts to join the world body's key decision-making organ.
Qureshi, who addressed the news conference with his visiting Italian counterpart Franco Frattini, said Pakistan wants a "comprehensive, democratic and representative" expansion of the Security Council.
He said he had spoken to his Chinese counterpart about Pakistan's reservations on India's bid to gain permanent membership of the body and President Asif Ali Zardari is also expected to raise the issue during his ongoing visit to China.
Pakistan has already expressed its opposition to Obama's backing for permanent membership of the Security Council for India, saying the move has implications for peace and security in South Asia.
Pakistan has listed India's strained relations with its neighbours and alleged violation of UN resolutions on the Kashmir issue as reasons why it shouldn't be granted membership of the Security Council.
Qureshi also said Pakistan and Italy have unanimity of views on the expansion of the Security Council on the basis of regional representation.He added that the two countries were working closely on many international issues.
Frattini said the Security Council should not be expanded only to increase the number of permanent members.
Italy is in favour of reforming the Security Council and would not block the membership of any country but the process should be based on "regional representation", he said.
Replying to a question about the Kashmir issue, Italian Foreign Minister Frattini said, "Yes, it is a problem for Pakistan and needs to be addressed".
He said it is in India's interest to have "excellent relations" with Pakistan and that New Delhi should work for "positive movements" to resolve the dispute.During their talks earlier in the day, the two Foreign Ministers agreed to expand relations in defence, energy and development sectors and to enhance efforts to fight terrorism.
They held parleys on bilateral, regional and international issues and discussed ways to enhance bilateral trade.
Frattini, who met army chief Gen Ashfaq Parvez Kayani this morning, said he had discussed various projects for enhancing cooperation in defence.Referring to terrorism, he said it is an international threat and all countries should fight this menace jointly.
"It's very important that the international community should continue its support to Afghanistan to train its army, improve economic conditions and fight against terrorism to ensure a stable, peaceful and developed Afghanistan. That is also in the interest of Europe," he said.Italy supports a regional approach for improving the situation in Afghanistan, Frattini said.
Asked about the possible reintegration and reconciliation of Taliban elements, he said, "Italy will support the process of reconciliation but with those Taliban who will reject violence, stop terrorism and respect the constitutional and local laws".Frattini said the human rights of minorities living in Pakistan, Kashmir or Palestine should be protected.
Replying to a question about the rights of minorities, especially the Christians in Pakistan, Qureshi said, "Pakistan will not allow the misuse of blasphemy laws and ensure the rights of minorities at all costs".