In scenarios like this is when pussyfooting on critical defense procurement can bite you in the ass. MRFA should have been wrapped up at least 10-15 years ago (right after 26/11) which could have prevented the eff up in Nowshera in 2019. We would have had many more options at hand for the present situation and could have created diversions/deceptive maneuvers over a much larger area while keeping the PLA-AF at bay. WTF is UN AF going to do with 30 something Rafales? God forbid, if we lose a few to enemy/friendly fire it will be akin to committing harakiri!!
If not for the extraordinary efforts of IA, Rayban brigade would have been toast a long time ago. Its IA that our enemies fear, be it on the eastern or western fronts. For all its shortcomings, PAF has historically equaled or bettered the IAF. We were fighting F104 Starfighters with Mysteres in the 60s, and F16s with Mig21s in the 2019. We have made it a habit to be caught wrong footed every single time!