well PN is already buying new equipment and quite simply put Type054A is probably too expensive for PN, PN got 4 F22Ps for $750 million only because China approved a "soft" loan to Pakistan, if that loan was not approved PN Chief said himself we couldnt buy the frigates, so I dont think PN can splash out on 2-4 Type 054A frigates
PN is going to retire 6 Tariq class (formally Type 21 frigate from RN) they are being replaced with 4 F22Ps frigates and +2 (unknown), it makes sense to get 2 Type 054, if PN wanted Type 054A i dont think China would have any problems sharing the platform
the older Type 054 will give PN a new platform and 2 more advanced frigates in its inventory, they will add more firepower and will be cheap for Pakistan, maybe even in the end becoming free as China has just written off many loans in the past for Pakistan
this will bring the fleet back to 6 modern frigates 4 F22Ps + 2 Type 054
Despite the warship building boom in recent years, the PLAN hardly has a surplus of modern FFGs to just given a pair away to Pakistan. Especially with the Varyag nearing completion, the PLAN will need to build a decent defensive fleet around her, and that will further stretch the PLAN's resources. The 054s might not have 054A standard, but they are perfectly capable for low threat missions like anti-piracy or territorial patrols.
Selling new builds to make cashy money is one thing, taking ships out of service to lease to someone else (presumably at a modest lease fee) doesn't really make a whole lot of sense for the PLAN.
I am also pretty sure the PLAN would not allow one of their in-service frontline warships to be transfered to someone else, even Pakistan, as it is without some of the most sensitive equipment replaced with export models. Similarly, I am sure the PN would want the ships to have their own specialist equipment on board so the new ships can work with the rest of the PN's forces. I know China and Pakistan are close, but I doubt they have such a close working military relationship that warships from either country could just sail in and work seamlessly with all other assets of the host navy. All that means time in docks for a re-fit and costs.
I know it would be a similar case regarding sensitive and force specific equipment for new built 054As, but at least then all the equipment can be installed from the start without having to rip out perfectly fine kit to replace it with a similar item as you are paying for both sets and it will take a lot more time to do compared to just installing it from the start.
