SAN FRANCISCO, Oct 31: US policies in Pakistan are fostering suspicion and hatred against America, the Los Angeles Times reported Sunday in a special report about Pakistan.

The paper said US officials acknowledge that the struggle for hearts and minds is more than a public relations war and the stakes in Pakistan are among the highest.

Pakistani politicians and business leaders who once looked to America for ideas and support are strengthening ties with the Muslim world and China, the paper said, adding: "Anti-Americanism has become a powerful tool for religious militants. Even well-meaning US efforts, such as aiding schools, are viewed with suspicion."

Ten years ago, an inquisitive young Pakistani would have been encouraged to apply to a US university, where he could have absorbed American pluralism, MTV, fast food and baseball, the paper said. "Now the Pakistani students are going to Australia, Britain and Canada rather than the United States."