Jf-17 block 1 wasn't designed to go against Rafale and Pak-fa. It was design to replace A-5c, F-7s and older mirage planes.
Jf-17 block 4 stealth might be more advance, with more composite and beter avionics and engine can probably face the 4.5 gen fighter.
Just to give a better understang of this project.
Jf-17 block 1 = 3rd generation (will be upgraded to block 2)
f-17 block 2 = 3.5 genseration
Jf-17 block 3 = 4.0 generation (redesign nose, composite, beter avionics and radar, etc)
Jf-17 block 4 = 4++ generation (redesigned front, stealther, reduced weight, better avonics, targeting pod, etc)