Let's say, it COULD be done in 2 years for the design
Supposedly, I am saying that this phase is already passed. Remember that you will never have an official hint or statement given the secrecy in Pakistan and China as well. To understand Pakistan style strategy, you will need to pay attention to the words being said by different officials on random occasions like some normal statement. For example....
Air Commodore Sajjad Haider once said "No matter if India brings Rafale or anything else; we have the first shoot capability". PAF has the capability to see first and shoot first.
Then again,
Couple of more Retd. personnel are noted to say that "Rafale doesn't bring something new to this region". By the "New" means, the AESA and long range BVR is already here. Now it is up-to to the enemy to guess and remain uncomfortable while this side has already said in veiled manners to send a message. Now, given the high tension and then Indian embarrassment into the hands of PAF; no one will ever think to make bluffs merely to play psyops.
Then again, a statement was made later that PAF NGF has passed through 1st stage of design. Pardon me that I cannot remember exact words but that statement would have come out only when the next stage was already nearing completion or passing the bench mark as a validation that designers don't need to go back to 1st stage for some corrections. The key word you may ever find for Pakistan specially is that "Who knows". Remember that unlike India, Pakistan doesn't boast a lot of make in Pakistan or Made in Pakistan unless it is done and then they bring such information to the surprise of everyone out there.
I still remember that US official was objecting to some payments or leverages or economic adjustments or some Pak China dealing in CPEC that is not allegedly told or available in Public Domain. US official (a lady I think) was so curious to know everything and the conclusion of such anxiety was that Pakistan-China & another country are involved in some strategical nature dealings under CPEC umbrella.
So, nothing came out despite the bluff being played so that Pakistanis may throw everything in public but again, nothing. This is how it will keep working and in the meantime, lack of proof, evidence or even a public statement will remain so unless things are done. Pakistanis have learnt a hard way or it wouldn't be wrong to say that through a harsh way that no matter if Pakistan does anything for sovereignty like any other nation; still this nation will be sanctioned or harmed or put to live in hard days. Last but not the least, we shall not forget that our eastern neighbors is famous for lobbying, crying, twisting, manipulating & given the need to contain China, India is already a blue eyed boy for the US especially. In simple words, we can afford mocking, taunts or enemy's demoralizing words against us but we cannot afford a leak that might have far more economical consequences for the nation.
Regards my dear,