F16s are meant to be gap fillers, and measuring tools for further maturity of JF17. Also induction of F16 Blk 52 will allow PAF to participate in exercises with the European elite fighters like Tyhpoon, Gripen, etc. as well as Red Flag exercises.
There’s no shame in learning from the less than desired “ally”, but one thing is for sure, and that is that PAF reduced original order from 40+ to just 18 in the light of maintaining focus on JF17 which will be far more dependable in terms of sanctions, or other “bugs” which may have been installed on previous and current western tech that is in inventory, in the times of conflict with “mutual” allies.
So lets keep our perspectives straight. Whatever Zaid Hamid says, or does is his own business but don’t use his shoulder to pass on your flawed view of the situation.