The Indians have upgraded their Mirages and Mig-29s basically to the same standard as our F-16s, except where they have access to a lot more weaponry from both France and Israel that we don't have available to us. Their Su-30s are next in line and the incoming Rafale is of course ahead of the pack in both air forces. People here downplay the IAF for their own ego or content but PAF definitely does not. It is well aware of the challenge it will be facing and it is very professional about facing it.
Do people remember the first leaked phone call after Op Swift Retort where S/L Hassan is telling his old IP that basically they were basically successful due to Gods grace and He had kept their honor intact. PAF went in not 100% certain of what the IAF response would be, or whether they would come out of it unscathed or not. To me, it means they were willing to take a risk and potential losses if it came to that, but made preparations to the best of their ability. And even after the operation, were not boastful but humble.
JF-17 Block 3 will be more or less on par with other 4th gen aircraft in the IAF or around the world, including their LCA. It will have some area in the flight regime where it will perform better than its opponent and others where it will not have the upper hand. Same would apply to its electronics, radars, weapons, and serviceability.
