As I said before, Indian pilots are comparing the handling and not the capability of the fighter and even if you make a little effort to inform yourself about the performance, or weapon capability of the M2K, you would understand how silly this comparison is. Even MK1A will be inferior to the M2K-H, because a small AESA doesn't counter the lack of hardpoints, integrated EW, or weapon load capability, unless you belive that the Darin 3 with a small AESA is superior to M2K-H too.
In reallity PAF considered off the shelf procurements like Gripen C/D, 2nd hand M2K-9s, just as J10s as well, but none of them would have given them the infustrial and operational advantages of the JF17 deal.
Just look at the difference between the 36 off the shelf Rafale deal and the 126 Rafale deal and add design, upgrade and export participation to it and you will understand how good this deal is for them, even if it's not the most advanced fighter.