Yes, still very relevant in modern war and the upgrades that they did do not put them far behind P-8, but think 10 years from now we need new birds, also airframes on P-3Cs are very old.
'Pindi never get's it's fair share of old warbirds despite hosting AHQ for many years in the past and Chaklala being one of teh oldest bases in the PAF
Agreed, and we are slowly getting rid of American equipment shackles, ultimately China and Turkey will be key defence suppliers, but until then and certainly for the next 20 years, F-16 will be a core part of Pakistani defence. No harm in making sure we get US to make these as leathel as possible.
If this is going to happen my negotiation would be
1) "V" upgrades to our entire fleet - US Pay
2) Another Block 52 sqd upraded to "V" standard - Pak Pay
3) 18 surplus B/S upgraded to "V" - US Pay
4) Deliver AH-1Zs - CSF
5) Release engines for T-129 for Turkey
6) AIM-9X and AMRAAM C7 and JDAM...