Police on Saturday registered a case over the deadly fire at Gul Plaza shopping centre in Karachi, as authorities displayed an updated list of missing persons showing 82 people still unaccounted for.

The FIR was lodged against unknown persons under negligence and carelessness clauses, citing the absence of adequate safety measures at the time of the incident. It includes Pakistan Penal Code sections 322, 337-H(1), 436 and 427.

According to the FIR, the building’s lights and doors were shut, worsening losses after the fire broke out. Investigators said names of those found responsible would be added after the inquiry. No arrests have been made so far.

SSP City Arif Aziz said investigators were nearing conclusions and stressed that the FIR would not be misused.

Statements have been recorded from guards, electricians and others linked to lighting and access control, he added.

Search and rescue operations continued for an eighth day. Officials said debris removal was still underway and 80-90% of the building had been searched.

Authorities confirmed that 71 bodies have been recovered so far, with 24 identified. Of these, 13 were identified through DNA testing and seven through identity cards. Fifty-five affected families have submitted DNA samples.

The updated missing persons list includes 82 names, with ages ranging from 11 to 70 years. It carries names, home addresses, shop numbers, photographs and copies of identity cards.

Investigators recovered additional digital video recorders (DVRs) from the building. Officials said about 50% of the DVRs have been secured and shifted to the Deputy Commissioner South’s office.

The investigation team inspected the site and recorded statements from eyewitnesses, including two guards and several children on Saturday. A detailed assessment of the affected areas inside the building was also conducted.

The fire erupted on the night of January 17, rapidly engulfing the shopping centre. A probe committee headed by the Karachi commissioner is investigating the incident and will submit its report to the Sindh chief minister.

Conflicting claims about the cause of the blaze continue to circulate, but no definitive conclusion has been reached yet.