It is ironic, Pakistan is so proud of its "indigenous" fighter that is closer to Mig-21 than 4th generation, which they had no role in developing or designing, and which no other country wants, even for dirt-cheap prices.
I guess it is a matter of standards.
Imagine if we were happy with an LCA that
1. Was a conventional all-metal jet with no complete FBW,barely any different from jets designed in the 50s and 60s
2. Used a SOviet era, pre-1980s engine that emits dark smoke and has barely acceptible thrust or engine life
3. Used cheap, inferior Chinese radar and electronics
4. Was "inducted" before even a proper IOC, leave alone FOC, or even a proper trainer version
With these shortcuts, the LCA-lite would have ready a decade ago, but if you suggested such a fighter to the IAF, they would kick you out.
The only issue ith the LCA was that it was too ambitious, especially with the engine and radar. But better to try and build your own at least, and develop a strong industrial base in the process, than buy a lot of paint.
And at least whatever foreign components that have gone into the LCA - whether the GE engine, Israeli radar (until the Indian AESA gets ready) or electronics, is all top-botch. Which is not something you can say for the JF-17 - I wonder if the Pakistani air chief marshall had to decidie on his car and had to choose between a model from France or US, versus something made in China, what would he prefer?