Islamabad, Aug 31 - Pakistan-based Kashmiri militant commander Syed Salahuddin has said autonomy for the Gilgit-Baltistan region will have a 'negative impact' on efforts to resolve the Kashmir dispute.

'Any change in the territorial integrity of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir (as it existed pre-1947) will have negative impact on the Kashmir issue, whose future is yet to be determined,' Salahuddin, who is the Hizbul Mujahideen chief and chairman of the United Jehad Council, said at an iftaar party here Sunday.

Pakistan Saturday approved a devolution package for Gilgit-Baltistan region that empowers the local assembly to elect its chief minister.

The president of Pakistan is, however, authorised to appoint a governor for the area.