I wonder how much of the MiG-29's overseas issues also have to do with how Russia generally supports export users. IIRC, even the IAF Su-30MKI fleet suffered from low availability rates at various points.
Hence, I don't think it's just a MiG-29 issue, but a wider Russia challenge. Western suppliers take after-sale support much more seriously, even with more difficult customers, like the PAF (which has to contend with US controls, sanctions, etc).
IMO, I don't think PAC is best equipped to handle the after-sale support side of the equation. It's one thing to manage the PAF fleet at home, but quite another to support someone else's fleet overseas.