My issue is that I've been hearing 'forum news' like this for 18 years, and in all that time, only 1% of it ever came true, and that was always in relation to numbers and type more so than the news as a whole.
So, for example, in 2003-2004 agreed to sell F-16s to Pakistan, and in the 1-2 years since we heard forum rumours about the numbers, type, weapons package, etc.
That info was all true in the end, but the overall story (F-16 sales) was also true. The PAF said it was going to sign a deal, we just didn't know the specifics.
Likewise, in 2015-2017 we heard straight from the Turkish MoD about Pakistan being interested in the T129 ATAK and MILGEM. In 2018, both deals were inked.
Or the fact that the PN is working on a next-gen LRMPA to replace the P-3C, we know about it because (1) the CNS announced it and (2) the PN released a tender for the aircraft.
Or the fact that the PAF ordered 3 additional Erieye AEW&C? This was announced by the previous CAS via Alan Warnes. We looked through the MoDP reports, and Saab completed the deliveries of those systems in 2017-2018.
Or the PAF's lead-in fighter trainer (LIFT) programs. This one's hilarious because we had even retired officers say "no such program" and what have you, and lo and behold, the current CAS tells Alan Warnes it's a real program.
So, where were the rumour guys then?
This is the stuff that's actually happening with our armed forces. It's serious and promising stuff, but it's mundane and in the open. The ironic part is that no one with 'sources' actually saw any of the above happening until it hit the news.
Once something big gets going, it's known to everyone. If it's not known, then chances are, it isn't happening. Believe me, if there was actually a deal for 36 new-build Block-72 on the table, the whole world will know and talk about it.